After the introduction of new traffic rules in Rawalpindi, the demand for helmets has sharply increased.
As a result, helmet prices in the local markets have gone up, making it difficult for many motorcyclists to buy reliable safety gear. Vendors across the city are taking advantage of the situation by setting up roadside stalls and pushcarts, selling all kinds of helmets at inflated rates.
A worrying trend has also been observed: old, damaged, and even stolen helmets are being collected, repainted, and sold as if they are new.
Many buyers do not realize that these helmets are unsafe and offer little protection during an accident. Some vendors are focusing more on quick profits than on public safety, creating a serious risk for motorcyclists who rely on these products.
Helmet prices now range from Rs1,200 to Rs5,000. The lower-priced options between Rs1,200 and Rs2,200 are often of very poor quality.
According to customers, these cheap helmets start to fall apart or become uncomfortable within a few weeks. Their thin materials and weak straps fail to meet basic safety standards, making them unreliable in emergencies.
Meanwhile, better-quality helmets are too expensive for many daily commuters, forcing them to choose unsafe or secondhand options.
Traffic police officials have urged residents to buy certified helmets rather than cheap, repainted ones, stressing that the purpose of the law is to save lives not create business opportunities for unethical vendors.
Residents are calling on authorities to check the markets, regulate helmet prices, and take action against sellers offering unsafe gear.
Many believe that stricter market inspections and public awareness campaigns are needed to protect motorcyclists and ensure that safety rules are properly followed.
