Bhubaneswar, May 30: Think twice before hitting the streets without a helmet from June 15 for you may be denied fuel at petrol stations.

In an attempt to curb accidents, the Khurda district administration and transport department authorities have decided to implement a "no-helmet-no-petrol" rule here. This will also be applicable to four-wheeler drivers not using seat belts.

The decision was taken at a meeting of district road safety committee chaired by district collector Niranjan Sahu today. Sahu said that the administration would shortly issue an order in this regard to oil companies.

Bargarh was the first district to implement a similar initiative in September last year followed by Rourkela in March. Apprehending law and order problems, the Rourkela police had also deployed officials in front of fuel stations for a few weeks at the start of the initiative.

All Odisha Petrol Pump Association secretary Sanjay Lath, however, said they were unaware of the latest decision of the district administration.

"Though it is a good initiative, the district administration should have sought our opinion as we are likely to face the wrath of customers once the rule is enforced. Petrol pump owners in Rourkela faced the anger of customers when the drive began there and police were forced to provide them protection. The district administration should have held discussions with us before implementing this," said Lath.

Official statistics revealed that while 175 people were killed in 600 road mishaps in Bhubaneswar in 2015, 177 people died in 516 road mishaps in 2014.

Other steps have also been taken to create awareness among people.

"We have asked automobile dealers to sell ISI-mark helmets to customers buying two-wheelers, if they do not have one," said Sahu.

Besides, the committee also decided to identify black zones or accident-prone areas on national highways, state highways and in Bhubaneswar.

According to the Union government's specifications, a spot where 10 accidents occur in a year on the national highway is treated as a black zone.

"A separate committee consisting of police and transport officials will identity the accident-prone areas. The committee will submit the report by June 20 and the recommendations of the committee will subsequently be implemented," said regional transport officer of Bhubaneswar II S.K. Behera.

In a related development, the police have also decided to prosecute drunk drivers.

The cops said that the offenders would be prosecuted under Section 185 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Under this section, a person driving in an inebriated condition or under the influence of drugs to an extent that he becomes incapable of exercising proper control over the vehicle can be jailed for six months for the first time.

The jail term can extend to two years for subsequent offences.