Dear Editor,
I am almost sure that there is a law on the books which requires motorcyclists to wear protective helmets and a penalty for non-compliance. For, if there were such a law, ostensibly at its core would be a desire to promote safety. And, should there be such a law, one could say with certainty that it is more honoured in the breach and in observance.
One cannot help but admire most of the bearers who ride motorcycles around the Corporate Area and major rural townships. In addition to their manner of riding, which at times is perilously scintillating, their back-packs and their various forms of headgear bring a smile to the face, if not laughter. Especially the headgear which vary in style from the World War II German vintage helmets to the ultra-modern flush with simple or wildly creative designs.
One wonders, however, if all or most of these helmets meet any acceptable standard for safety.
While the police officers in the motorcycle division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force almost always have their regulation helmets affixed, too often they have their comrade pillion riders wearing only their soft peaked regulation caps which provides no protection. If the wearing of safety helmets is required by the law, surely all police officers should abide by the law in the strictest sense. And, there should be an increased enforcement effort on all motorcyclists, notwithstanding the possible howls of protest which might erupt for reasons of the expense.
Perhaps, upon being issued a licence to drive a motorcycle, there should be some provision at that stage for the licensee to demonstrate proof of ownership of a helmet which meets the safety standard approved by the authorities. Then, maybe the incidence of fatalities and serious head injuries sustained by motorcyclists in Jamaica could be reduced.
Christopher Pryce
christopherjmpryce@yahoo.com
Of helmets and the law
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I am almost sure that there is a law on the books which requires motorcyclists to wear protective helmets and a penalty for non-compliance. For, if there were such a law, ostensibly at its core would be a desire to promote safety. And, should there be such a law, one could say with certainty that it is more honoured in the breach and in observance.
One cannot help but admire most of the bearers who ride motorcycles around the Corporate Area and major rural townships. In addition to their manner of riding, which at times is perilously scintillating, their back-packs and their various forms of headgear bring a smile to the face, if not laughter. Especially the headgear which vary in style from the World War II German vintage helmets to the ultra-modern flush with simple or wildly creative designs.
One wonders, however, if all or most of these helmets meet any acceptable standard for safety.
While the police officers in the motorcycle division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force almost always have their regulation helmets affixed, too often they have their comrade pillion riders wearing only their soft peaked regulation caps which provides no protection. If the wearing of safety helmets is required by the law, surely all police officers should abide by the law in the strictest sense. And, there should be an increased enforcement effort on all motorcyclists, notwithstanding the possible howls of protest which might erupt for reasons of the expense.
Perhaps, upon being issued a licence to drive a motorcycle, there should be some provision at that stage for the licensee to demonstrate proof of ownership of a helmet which meets the safety standard approved by the authorities. Then, maybe the incidence of fatalities and serious head injuries sustained by motorcyclists in Jamaica could be reduced.
Christopher Pryce
christopherjmpryce@yahoo.com
Of helmets and the law
-->