By Forum staff writer
The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has engaged key stakeholders ahead of the nationwide enforcement of mandatory standard crash helmet use by commercial motorbike riders and their passengers.
The engagement brought together representatives from the Sierra Leone Police, Bike Riders Union, World Health Organization (WHO) and Civil Society Movement as authorities seek to strengthen cooperation and improve road safety across the country.
Speaking during the engagement, SLRSA Executive Director, Mr. James Bagie Bio, said Sierra Leone remains committed to international efforts aimed at reducing road traffic deaths and serious injuries.
He referenced the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021 to 2030, which calls for stronger measures to protect road users and reduce fatalities caused by road crashes.
The Sierra Leone Police also reminded the public that wearing a crash helmet is already a legal requirement under Section 114 of the Road Traffic Act.
Police representatives said the enforcement is not intended to target motorbike riders but to protect lives and reduce the severity of injuries resulting from road crashes.
Motorbikes remain one of the most commonly used means of transportation in Sierra Leone, particularly for commercial transport. However, authorities have continued to raise concerns over road crashes involving motorcycles and the failure of some riders and passengers to use protective helmets.
Stakeholders at the meeting stressed the need for increased public education before and during the enforcement exercise. They called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, transport unions, civil society organisations and other partners to ensure that the public understands the importance of complying with the law.
They also noted that many motorcycle related deaths and serious injuries are linked to head injuries, particularly when riders or passengers are not wearing appropriate protective helmets at the time of a crash.
The Bike Riders Union and other stakeholders were encouraged to work closely with the SLRSA and the police to promote compliance among commercial riders across the country.
The SLRSA said enforcement must go hand in hand with continuous sensitisation to ensure that riders and passengers understand that helmet use is primarily about protecting lives.
The authority has therefore reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant partners to promote responsible road use, improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce motorcycle related accidents nationwide.
The nationwide enforcement is expected to place greater attention on the use of standard crash helmets by both commercial motorbike riders and their passengers as authorities intensify efforts to make Sierra Leone’s roads safer.
