Navi Mumbai: Since 2024, 236 fatal crashes in Raigad district have involved helmetless bikers and pillion riders, prompting police on Sunday to launch a drive by deploying teams to penalise offenders at prime junctions leading to tourist spots.Raigad SP Anchal Dalal said, “Many tourists visit the district on weekends and public holidays. Many bikers among them do not wear helmets. In 2024, there were 110 fatal accidents of bikers riding helmetless, caused either due to speeding and skidding or due to being hit by other vehicles. In 2025, the number reduced to 104. In the first two months of this year, 22 bikers riding without helmets died in accidents.” The SP said many locals, too, skip wearing helmets for short rides. “Fatal accidents can happen regardless of whether the distance is long or short. Bikers without helmets with be fined and their driving licence seized and sent to the RTO for suspension.” —George Mendonca
