Articles by Sowmya Kannan

Sowmya Kannan is a researcher at Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), working in the area of road safety and sustainable transport. CAG is a thirty-eight-year-old, non-profit, non-political and professional organisation that works towards protecting citizens' rights in consumer and environmental issues.

Critical gear, rarely worn: Why child helmets are essential for road safety

by September 20, 2024

As India experiences economic growth, the accompanying rise in motorisation and vehicular traffic brings a heightened risk of road crash injuries and fatalities. With two-wheelers dominating Indian roads (these comprise 75% of all registered vehicles), the safety of their riders, particularly children, becomes paramount. Road crashes often stem from non-compliance with traffic rules, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of safety gear, with helmets being a critical yet frequently overlooked safety aspect. In Tamil Nadu, two-wheelers accounted for the highest fatalities (44.22%) in 2023. Around 29.9% of these fatalities were attributed to non-compliance with helmet usage. According to the World Health Organization…

Read more