NCJ Number
152254
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1994) Pages: 21-26
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the reduction of motorcycle theft in Madras, India, that resulted from the introduction of laws requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets.
Abstract
Consistent with experience in other countries, laws requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets led to reduced thefts of motorcycles in Madras, India. This is because many motorcycle thefts are unplanned and anyone riding a stolen motorcycle without a helmet would be highly visible to the police. These findings strengthen the case for the reintroduction of the helmet laws in Madras which were recently repealed after public pressure from riders. They also provide further evidence of the important role played in crime by situational factors. Tables, references