The Federal Road Safety Corps in Ondo has reiterated its commitment to arresting any motorcyclist riding on highways without crash helmets in the state.

Samuel Ibitoye, a sector commander, gave the warning on Sunday in Akure.

Mr Ibitoye said that the corps had redoubled its efforts to arrest, impound, and prosecute any motorcyclist riding on highways without a helmet.

He explained that most of the crashes involving motorcycles without crash helmets usually resulted in fatalities, where skulls, limbs, and thighs were broken.

“It is good for motorcycle riders to avoid highways completely, but when they find themselves there, they should use crash helmets and not engage in competition with the vehicles, especially heavy vehicles.

“Don’t claim any rights on the way as an exposed road user, please let the vehicle go and have your own life intact. There is a sanction for any motorcyclist riding on highways without the use of a helmet.

“The motorcycle will be impounded and a fine paid, but that is not the major thing we are preaching. We are preaching the use of the helmet and safety first,” he said.

He urged traditional, religious, and titled riders to wear helmets for their safety.

“Do not say because you are a titleholder or a religious person, that it is only your turban or cap you must wear. No, if you want to entertain your titles, don’t go and ride. Please think of your own safety rather than the title you are talking about.

“Crashes do not know religion, it doesn’t know tradition, it doesn’t know titles, and when it happens, it takes you as human and your body goes for it as a motorcycle rider.

“So, if you must ride, wear your crash helmet, and if you don’t want to wear a helmet, please go and board a vehicle or car. Don’t get yourself killed unexpectedly,” Mr Ibitoye said.

(NAN)