Noida, May 1 -- The Uttar Pradesh transport commissioner has ordered strict enforcement of rules mandating the use of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified helmets and a crackdown on manufacturers and sellers violating these norms to curb the rising number of road fatalities, officials said on Wednesday. The directive follows a resolution passed during a state road safety council meeting chaired by chief minister Yogi Adityanath on April 1. According to transport commissioner BN Singh, the state recorded 46,052 road accidents in 2024, resulting in 24,118 deaths. "Data shows that 51 percent of individuals are between the ages of 18 and 35. The trend is alarming, and it is a loss for families and the state as well," he said. "Records show that 80 per cent of registered vehicles in the state are two-wheelers, so it is important to use BIS-certified helmets," he added. He directed officials to ensure compliance and take strict action, including registration of FIRs, against violators. District officials in Gautam Budh Nagar have also received these instructions. "We have also asked them to intensify awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of wearing BIS-certified helmets for their safety," Singh said. As per a state transport department statement, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, make certified helmets mandatory. Section 129 mandates helmet use for both riders and pillion passengers above age four, while Section 177 classifies violations as punishable offences. Section 138(4)(f) requires two-wheeler dealers to provide BIS-certified helmets at sale. However, many dealers still offer substandard helmets, officials said. Noida Traffic Police data shows 1,156 accidents in 2024, causing 462 deaths. Of the 2.8 million fines issued that year, 2 million were to bikers; 354,000 were for helmet violations in the first quarter....