Raipur: Traffic police personnel often have to stand and manage traffic for hours under the open sky. During the summer season, issues such as heat stress, dehydration, and fatigue become common. To address this, preparations are underway to provide them with air-conditioned (AC) helmets. A trial for these helmets began in Raipur on Saturday. This technology could not only enhance their operational efficiency but also prove crucial for their health and safety. If the trial proves successful, a larger number of traffic personnel could be provided with such helmets in the future.
The police department believes that providing better working conditions will boost both the efficiency and morale of the personnel. Vivek Shukla, ADCP (Traffic), stated that a company has provided some AC helmets for trial purposes. They are being tested with the aim of providing relief to traffic personnel performing their duties during the scorching heat.
The helmet features a small battery-operated fan and an air-duct system in its upper section. A battery pack is worn on the waist or belt; the fan draws in outside air, filters it, and directs it towards the face and head. Some models also include a cooling module that lowers the air temperature by a few degrees. On a single charge, the device typically operates for 6 to 8 hours. According to manufacturer claims and police trial reports, the helmet can create a sensation of the temperature around the head being 8 to 15 degrees Celsius lower, thereby reducing the risk of heat stress and heatstroke.
