“How unusual,” posted a reader on the Daily Herald Facebook page under the story headlined “Motorcyclist severely injured in collision with a car on Bush Road” (see Monday newspaper). The – likely cynical – comment sums up the problem: It happens too often.
Without suggesting that’s again the case here, drivers of vehicles regularly fail to see and/or heed motorcycles and scooters. Their smaller size – as opposed to, for example, container trucks – may play a role.
On the other hand, the speed at which many bikers tend to move reduces the reaction time for co-road users. When they are passing rows of vehicles and even weaving in and out of traffic in the process, it doesn’t make spotting them any easier.
According to a report in the same edition regarding police controls on the road to Point Blanche, similar operations are being ramped up in the coming weeks. Special attention will be paid to motorcycle and scooter riders.
In addition to ensuring valid documentation, strictly enforcing the mandatory wearing of safety helmets appears highly necessary. The victim of last Wednesday’s accident was not and suffered facial abrasions.
And it’s not just about risking their lives. Also consider the trauma for someone else involved in a crash that turns out to be fatal under similar circumstances.
This is more than a matter of individual responsibility and free choice. Civilised society aspires to protect each and every member, sometimes even against one’s will.
It’s for their own good.
