The rider of the motorcycle must wear a helmet. Yes not just the driver of the bike but also the person sitting behind the driver. And it’s regardless of the gender. I am astounded to note down that in Karachi ladies have been exempted from wearing the helmet while riding the motorcycle. Inspector General (IG) Sindh Police Ghulam Haider Jamali, according to the media reports announced women’s exemption from the traffic regulation under which wearing helmet was declared mandatory for all motorcycle riders as well as pillions. Why on Earth has he done that is what is beyond any reason or logic. The helmet laws in Pakistan are clear. The helmet should be approved by the government and it should be securely fitted on the head and fastened properly.
And no sir, your hard cap is not a helmet. And yes you must wear helmet even if you are donning hijab or burqa. And don’t buy second hand or used helmets. They may have been damaged already in some accident or there might be massive wear and tear due to UV degradation. And in order to be comfy and protected, buy helmet which suits your head. Don’t get a family helmet in which the whole family members take turns to use it. It’s dangerous. Make sure helmet doesn’t rotate on your head and the cheek-pads are soft and firm. Try tilting your head and make sure helmet doesn’t block your vision and isn’t too tight or too loose. Also make sure that the chin-strap is also fastened properly. It should be fitted in the way that you can put two fingers between strap and the jaw. So again wearing helmet in Karachi and Lahore and Islamabad and elsewhere in Pakistan shouldn’t come as a nuisance and burden. It’s for your own safety and security.