By Precious D Freeman
The Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman, has met with the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) on health concerns over the use of helmet among multiple passengers from motorcyclists.
Speaking over the weekend, both institutions observed safety regulations to avoid the transmission of pathogenic organisms and way of reducing head injuries during road traffic accidents when commuting to various destinations.
The police and the NPHIL have mandated all motorcyclists and passengers to adhere to hygiene measures which includes; motorcyclists cleaning their helmets regularly daily, weekly, or monthly using disinfectants.
They agreed that motorcyclists should avoid placing their gloves inside the helmets and that passengers should cover their heads before wearing a helmet.
Passengers may choose to wear a nose mask for additional protection, passengers who frequently travel by motorcycle, should consider carrying their own helmets and sanitizer spray.
Police IG Coleman and the Director General of NPHIL, Jane MaCauley, are encouraging the public to remain law abiding as they expressed their commitment to the protection and safety of all residents and road users across the country.
It can be recalled that an agreement reached between the Liberia National Police (LNP) and NAFOMTAL, prohibits motorcyclists and keh-keh riders from operating in certain designated areas, known as ‘No Go Zone’.
Under the revised measures, motorcyclists are allowed to operate on the principal streets of Monrovia under certain restrictions, ranging from mandatory restriction to insurance coverage, and the operation of motorcycles with only one passenger wearing a helmet.
Also, for the safety measures, they are to use reflective jackets and protective shoes at all times while keh-kehs, before using similar routes, must be registered, insured, and are only allowed to carry three passengers and a valid driver’s license.
These restrictions are to be respected by both private and commercial motorcyclists, including journalists, as the agreement was coordinated with Vice President Jeremiah Koung during a meeting with the motorcyclists and keh-keh riders’ leaders as well as the LNP.
