Incorrect helmets contribute to motorcyclists’ severe injuries – Police

Accidents on the roadways that involve motorcyclists and result in death, injury, or disability are sometimes due to the incorrect selection and use of safety helmets, Police have said.
Earlier this week, Divisional Traffic Officer of Division 4A – (Georgetown), Deputy Superintendent Timothy Williams, during a recent programme hosted by the Guyana Police Force advised that motorcyclists wear the correct safety helmets.
“We are still noticing a number of persons riding the motorcycles with their helmets not properly affixed…some are using industrial helmets. That is not the required helmet for motorcyclists on the road,” he explained.
Labelling requirements are outlined by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), and provide guidance for the selection of quality helmets.
The GNBS has facilitated the development of the National Standard Specification for labelling of commodities – Part 17: Labelling of protective helmets for road users.
The standard can assist motorcyclists in differentiating between helmets which meet specific standards for protection on impact and the ability to remain secured on the wearer’s head.
Superintendent Williams also noted that the Police have even found persons towing children without a safety helmet, and that has to stop.
“That is a matter of concern for us…”, he underscored.
Just recently, the GNBS was advising manufacturers and distributors of helmets for the road to acquire a copy of the standard to ensure those offered for sale meet the labelling specification, which guides users.
It was also advised by the Standard that motorcyclists also need to ensure that helmets are designed to meet their individual needs for protection.