Minister Chang Implores Motorcyclists to Wear Helmets
By: , March 27, 2024
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of National Security and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, addresses the launch of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition Project on Thursday (March 21) at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston. This initiative aims to enhance proper helmet use among motorcycle riders through advocacy and engagement initiatives.
Photo: Mark Bell
Minister of National Security and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang (second right), looks at a helmet during the launch of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition Project on March 21 at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston, while Executive Director, National Road Safety Council, Paula Fletcher (right), and Vice Chairman of the Council, Dr. Lucien Jones (third right), point out the features. Others looking on (from left) are Principal Director for Transport Policy in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Tanya Bedward; Chairman of Jamaica National Foundation, Parris A. Lyew-Ayee; Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica National Foundation, Earl Jarrett.The Full Story
The Minister of National Security and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, is urging motorcyclists to wear helmets, to minimise serious injuries and death from crashes.
He said the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has indicated that for crashes involving motorcycles, 80 per cent of the riders were without helmets and usually sustain fatal or severe head injuries.
“The country cannot lose its many potential talents by virtue of road crashes,” Dr. Chang said.
He was speaking at the launch of the National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC) on Thursday (March 21), at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston.
A collaboration between the Jamaica National Foundation (JNF) and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), with funding from the FIA Foundation, the initiative aims to heighten awareness of motorcycle safety.
It will promote correct helmet usage among motorcycle drivers through advocacy and engagement programmes.
Minister Chang, in welcoming the coalition, said it will assist in tackling the rising incidence of fatalities and injuries among motorcycle drivers in Jamaica.
Data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) indicate that motorcycle collisions accounted for 32 per cent of total road fatalities in 2023.
He noted that the project will not only encourage the use of the protective devices to save lives but to help build a system for safe and affordable helmets.
Minister Chang said that the Vision 2030 Plan underscores the critical need to implement a strategy aimed at enhancing road safety, minimising fatalities and injuries resulting from road traffic accidents, and fulfilling sustainable transportation requirements.
“The strain on law enforcement from road incidents, especially those with motorcycles, is undeniable. To address this, the Government has invested in the new Electronic Ticketing Management System, aimed at enforcing road safety laws more effectively. This system is expected to prompt behavioural change among motorists by holding them more accountable for their actions and facing the consequences,” said Dr. Chang.
The Minister commended the National Road Safety Council, the JN Foundation Project Steering Committee, and the FIA Foundation for their tremendous contribution to the National Helmet Wearing Coalition Project.