Bhubaneswar: Even as awareness about wearing helmets has improved over the years, road safety experts in Odisha are raising concerns over the rising use of cheap and low-quality helmets sold at roadside stalls and weekly markets, warning that they may offer little protection during an accident.Available for as little as Rs 200 to Rs 500, these helmets are popular among two-wheeler riders because of their affordability. However, experts say many such products lack proper safety certification and may fail to absorb impact during accidents, defeating the very purpose of wearing a helmet.“Many riders believe they are safe simply because they are wearing a helmet. But a poor-quality helmet can crack on impact and may not protect the head adequately. The quality of the helmet is as important as wearing one,” said Syed Maqbool Ali, road safety expert and a former member of National Road Safety Council.According to him, low-cost helmets are often purchased to avoid traffic penalties rather than for protection. Riders, particularly students and daily commuters, tend to opt for cheaper options without checking safety standards, he said.Traffic officials have also expressed concerns over the trend. “People must verify whether a helmet meets prescribed safety norms before buying it. Using substandard helmets creates a false sense of security and can have serious consequences in the event of a crash,” a senior traffic official said.Retailers dealing in certified helmets argue that quality products undergo rigorous testing and are designed to withstand high-impact collisions. While certified helmets may cost more, they offer significantly better protection and usually have features such as stronger outer shells, impact-absorbing liners and secure retention systems.Road safety activists have urged govt and civil society organisations to raise awareness against the sale of substandard helmets and conduct public sensitisation drives to educate consumers about the importance of purchasing certified products.“We have seen cases where riders survived serious crashes because they were wearing good-quality helmets. At the same time, there are instances where low-quality helmets shattered on impact. Price should not be the only factor while choosing a helmet,” said P V Raman, a member of a city-based road safety organisation.