UN
Friday, December 22, 1972
MOTORCYLISTS MUST WEAR CRASH HELMETS
Legislation To Be Introduced Shortly
Amending legislation to enable regulations to be made for the compulsory wearing of crash helmets by motorcylists and their pillion passengers is to be introduced in the Legislative Council shortly.
The Road Traffic (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1973 also enables
regulations to be made to provide controls on the sale, hiring out and
possession of such protective helmets.
Commenting on the proposed new measures, a Government spokesman said the Government was gravely concerned with the increasing number of serious motorcycle accidents "in which the absence of crash helmets is
considered to be a major factor."
The spokesman recalled that the police had on a number of occasions publicly advised motorcyclists and their pillion riders to wear protective helmets, but this advice, he added, "regrettably appears to have been largely
ignored."
"It is therefore considered that legislation should be enacted to ensure that suitable protective helmets are worn at all times by motorcyclists
and their passengers."
Similar legislation has been in force for some time in many countries
and was recently enacted in the United Kingdom.
The Bill also provides for the repeal and replacement of two sections
of the Principal Ordinance.
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