BERNARD SHAW, CNN ANCHOR: Ask Italians what they think of a new law requiring helmets and you will get an earful. CNN's Denise Dillon explains.</s>DENISE DILLON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Motorcycles and scooters are popular on the streets of Italy, but those who used to love to zoom down the street with the wind blowing through their hair now have to change their ways. A law making helmet use mandatory just went into effect in Italy, much to the chagrin of many riders.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): It was so beautiful before. I think up to a certain age you can have a compulsory helmet law, but when one is over 50, do you think he is going to fool around?</s>DILLON: Of course, people who sell helmets are thrilled about the new law. Helmet sales are at an all-time high. Stores were busy as motorbike riders checked out various colors and styles, trying to find the coolest looking helmet. Police are serious about this new law, saying they are showing zero tolerance for any offenders. Police set up checkpoints throughout Rome. On the first day the law went into effect, they were on the street handing out fines.</s>CLAUDIA SASSU, POLICEWOMAN (through translator): Italians are very stubborn. Let's hope anyway that at least this time they understand it is for their own good.</s>UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): It really is fastidious, but you are paid back in safety.</s>DILLON: And that's what it's all about -- safety. Recent statistics show that 55 percent of motorbike-related deaths in Italy could have been avoided if the riders had been wearing helmets. But to some people, like this woman, the fine is a bit more convincing than the statistics.</s>UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Yes, they fined me because I had no helmet -- police on motorbikes. They say there are cameras around. I'm going home to get my helmet.</s>DILLON: That fine: about $127. Denise Dillon, CNN.
Italians Not Happy About New Helmet Law