GS4 · UPSC Mains
Prashant works in a multinational company in a metropolitan city and is visiting his native village during his holiday. While reading the newspaper at home, he came across a distressing news article about a newlywed couple who tragically died in a road accident. Their motorcycle lost control and crashed into a roadside boulder. The police report indicated that none of the riders were wearing helmets, emphasizing that their fatal head injuries could have been avoided had they used this critical safety equipment. A few days later, Prashant and his five friends from the village decided to take a road trip to the hills of a neighboring state on their two-wheelers. While riding through urban areas, all the friends wore their helmets, and Prashant felt proud that they prioritized road safety. However, once they entered rural areas, Prashant noticed that everyone removed their helmets almost immediately. He found this behavior puzzling. When he inquired about it, his friends explained that helmet use is strictly enforced in urban areas, where violations can result in hefty fines. In contrast, enforcement is lax in rural areas. As an aware citizen who values road safety and adherence to regulations, Prashant is conscious of the importance of following safety protocols, including helmet use. Concerned for their safety, he encouraged his friends to keep their helmets on. He explained that one should wear helmets not just because it is a legal requirement, but for one's own safety, as helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Upon hearing this, Prashant's friends teased him, suggesting that he had become too influenced by urban attitudes. While riding through a scenic area, they passed by a deep gorge and witnessed a motorcycle accident where a rider lost control and crashed into the ravine. The sight was alarming and reminded Prashant of the news article he had read. Once again, he urged his friends to wear their helmets. This time, his friends grew irritated and dismissed Prashant's concerns as unnecessary fear. Prashant recognized that they held a prevailing negative attitude toward wearing helmets, seeing them as an imposition rather than a safeguard. a Why is there a negative attitude among people regarding wearing helmets? b What measures can be taken to bring about positive changes in this attitude?
GS4 · Attitude — content, structure, function; influence & relation with thought & behaviour; moral & political attitudes; social influence & persuasion
| Topper | Rank | Source | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deepanshu Jindal | AIR 38 · 2025 | Forumias | p.12 |
| Tushar Chauhan | AIR 216 · 2025 | Forumias | p.51 |
| Jitendra | AIR 287 · 2025 | Forumias | p.48 |
| Yarasi Tusharika | — | Forumias | p.51 |