Gov’t Donates 2,000 Helmets for Distribution to Motorcyclists Islandwide

The Government has bolstered the work of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) by donating 2,000 helmets for distribution to motorcyclists islandwide.

Speaking during the handover of the protective gears at the corporate offices of the Jamaica National (JN) Group on Oxford Road in St. Andrew on Wednesday (June 12), Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, said too many riders, especially young males, are being maimed from crashes.

Consequently, he said the Administration sees the need to support efforts to have safety on the roads with the donation of the helmets, which cost $28 million.

The Minister said while support is provided for safety and through public education, it must be reinforced that wearing a helmet protects lives and protects other road users whom bikers come into contact with.

For his part, JN Foundation Chairman, Parris A. Lyew-Ayee, said the provision of the helmets will significantly bolster the Coalition’s effort to promote road safety, while acknowledging the Ministry of National Security as a “critical partner”.

“We have a comprehensive plan to distribute these helmets, focusing on underserved communities and groups to ensure wide accessibility,” he stated.

The NHWC’s mandate is to advocate for increased helmet-wearing among riders and pillions, and to undertake research, stakeholder mapping and engagement exercises, and to examine and understand the current situation relating to helmets and helmet-wearing in Jamaica.

According to the National Road Safety Council, approximately 600 motorcyclists have been killed on Jamaica’s roads since 2012, more than 90 per cent of whom were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

Data from the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunication and Transport, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force indicate that these fatalities account for approximately 30 per cent of total deaths caused by road crashes in Jamaica over the period.