Men at work: The Safety Joke.
I wrote this article in 2009.
Have you noticed the recent appearance of motorcycle riders popularly known as Okada Riders in Lagos? Have you seen the daily proliferation? The Pathetic sight of the Okada Rider and his Passenger? It’s such a sight to behold. Each time I see the Rider and his passenger all I can do is Laugh Out Loud (lol). Sincerely, I am really taken aback by the whole Helmet thing. While the idea behind the new policy is laudable and genuinely in the interest of the Biking Community, I must say that we have got it really twisted. Totally in abeyance.
What they call Helmets are actually Safety Caps used in Construction Sites. It struck me when I discovered that there is a vast difference between Safety Helmets and Crash Helmets (I hope you are aware?). I decided to do a random sampling of the distribution and was greatly amazed by the level of what I call “Vehicular Ignorance”. The whole idea of Helmets is not just mere costuming; it’s essentially for safety!
On a lighter note- I even heard people have started disappearing when they wear the “Caps”. It’s a pity that this society never seize to amaze one. I was on my way home after work and as usual hopped on a bike. Seated and set to go, the Rider offered me the Cap. Guess what did? I simply rejected the Cap and also requested that he gave me his padded version (The Crash Helmet). Even at that, I was still very skeptical about wearing it. (I was also scared about disappearing; the least of my fears). Maybe, I am just Nigerian! I asked for his own helmet knowing that by taking the one he was wearing, I was likely not going to disappear.
I can imagine the aftermath of a crash- The so called Helmet will do its wearer no good. Rather, it will accentuate the damage as a result of impact. So, it is logical to say then that immediate action should be pursued to enlighten the Biking Populace to adjust appropriately.
What they call Helmets are actually Safety Caps used in Construction Sites. It struck me when I discovered that there is a vast difference between Safety Helmets and Crash Helmets (I hope you are aware?). I decided to do a random sampling of the distribution and was greatly amazed by the level of what I call “Vehicular Ignorance”. The whole idea of Helmets is not just mere costuming; it’s essentially for safety!
On a lighter note- I even heard people have started disappearing when they wear the “Caps”. It’s a pity that this society never seize to amaze one. I was on my way home after work and as usual hopped on a bike. Seated and set to go, the Rider offered me the Cap. Guess what did? I simply rejected the Cap and also requested that he gave me his padded version (The Crash Helmet). Even at that, I was still very skeptical about wearing it. (I was also scared about disappearing; the least of my fears). Maybe, I am just Nigerian! I asked for his own helmet knowing that by taking the one he was wearing, I was likely not going to disappear.
I can imagine the aftermath of a crash- The so called Helmet will do its wearer no good. Rather, it will accentuate the damage as a result of impact. So, it is logical to say then that immediate action should be pursued to enlighten the Biking Populace to adjust appropriately.
Be guided.
Image Credit: Google Image
Image Credit: Google Image
Comments
Post a Comment