Experts for ensuring quality helmets for bikers

Motorcyclists' use of substandard helmets has been increasing in the country due to lack of quality standard and certification process in import.
These helmets are being imported mainly from China, followed by India and Thailand, in absence of local manufacturing facilities.
Motorbikers are 26 times more likely to die in road crashes than passengers of cars.
According to a study of the UN Economic Commission for Europe, wearing appropriate (standard) helmet can increase riders' chance of survival by 42 per cent and help them avoid 69 per cent of injuries.
Speakers shared these at a discussion, organised in observance of the UN Road Safety week at a city hotel on Sunday.
The speakers also stressed the need for replacement of substandard helmets through proper planning and regulation as well as for making quality helmets affordable, as their prices range between Tk 3,000 and Tk 70,000 each.
The UN Global Road Safety Week is being observed for the seventh time - from May 15 to May 21 this year.
BRAC in collaboration with the World Bank (WB) organised the discussion - with Director of BRAC Road Safety Programme Ahmed Najmul Hussain in the chair.
Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD) Secretary A B M Amin Ullah Nuri attended the event as chief guest.
Chairman of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Nur Mohammad Mozumder, Director General of Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) M Abdus Sattar, Additional Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Mohammad Atiqul Islam, and Country Director of WB Abdoulaye Seck were special guests.
The chief guest urged the NGOs and other stakeholders to take initiatives and create awareness for withdrawal of substandard helmets.
The RTHD secretary focused on creating a social movement to implement the helmet law.
He also said restricting motorcycles as a mode of transport is not a policy of the government, but it is needed to ensure safety in all aspects.
The WB country director said market size of helmet in Bangladesh is about 0.8-1.0 million. Most helmets here are non-certified, with prices ranging from US$ 20 or less.
Helmet wearing rates have improved in Bangladesh's urban areas, which are lower in rural areas.
The WB country director also said the WB has been in dialogue with BRTA and BSTI for making helmet certification mandatory.
Referring to the government's multi-sectoral road safety project with the WB financing $358 million, he hoped that safe infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists along with proper mass transit system will be built in Dhaka.
The BRAC director said 100 per cent motorbikers in Dhaka city use helmets now, but the scenario is different in the country's other parts.

smunima@yahoo.com