Chidi Nkwopara
8 January 2009
Oweri — Fake and sub-standard crash helmets have flooded Imo markets since the state command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) commenced serious clampdown on motorcyclists flouting the crash helmet directive.
Vanguard investigations revealed that unidentified local fabricators have gone into serious business of manufacturing a near replica of the crash helmets, while some others took solace in patronizing vendors of industrial helmets.
Although a good percentage of motorcyclists plying the streets of Owerri municipality have willingly complied with the crash helmet directive, what appeared most disturbing is the use of sub-standard materials as helmets.
One of the commercial motorcycle operators, who identified himself simply as Sunday, claimed that he decided to patronize the industrial helmet vendors just to parade a semblance of the crash helmet.When contacted on his mobile telephone for his comments on the issue, the Sector Commander, Mr. Angus Obum Ibezim, confirmed that his command has noticed the irregularity.
"We have noticed the irregularity currently prevalent among the commercial motorcyclists in the state. That they are using some of the unauthorized helmet is a sure proof that they have accepted to comply with the directive", Ibezim said.
According to the sector Commander, investigations have shown the real crash helmet is in short supply in the open market, adding that the Command has given motorcyclists in the state a three-week reprieve within which to source for the real crash helmets.
He however warned that FRSC would not go back on the directive and appealed to all those who are hoping that the Commission would go back on its directive to have a rethink and go for the crash helmets.
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