When motorcycles were banned in Lagos a few years back, many people complained and spoke ill of the government in power saying they were not thinking of the common man. Hum…. If only we knew it was for our own good. Oh! How I wish the ban had been complete, promising lives would not have been lost. Growing up, I only knew of motorcycles being used by private individuals and not for commercial use as we have today. If you’ve ever driven on roads where you had to compete with motorbike riders you’ll agree with me that they are extremely reckless and have no regard for traffic rules; acting like the traffic lights were meant for cars alone.
In a city like Lagos, you have to be at alert as they may come at you from any angle. Those walking on the side walk are not even safe as this may be converted to a drive way when there is congested traffic. Due to their reckless behaviour, they are often involved in fatal road traffic accidents. When a motorbike accident occurs, the likelihood of the rider or passenger hitting his/her head is high which is why it is mandatory to make use of a helmet. There was a time when it was an offence to ride on a motocycle without helmets, now, only dispatch riders are seen with these helmets.
Apart from the fracture of the limbs which may occur when someone has a motorbike accident, one can also sustain fracture to the bones of the face and skull as well as head injuries which may lead to the person being unconscious for several days/weeks. Sometimes the impact could lead to sudden death. The cost of treating fractures and injuries as well as the number of days spent in the hospital to recuperate are not easily forgotten.
While I hope for a complete ban on the use of motorcycles for commercial use, I’ll leave you with this admonition: when next you decide to hop on a motorcycle, make use of a helmet, take a bus/taxi or take a walk.
NB: I’m not in anyway against the common man who sees this as his/her only means of survival struggling to put food on the table for his/her family, I’m only advocating for the safety of the common man. Lets stay safe.
Photo credit: Guardian ng