A suggestion has been made for the wearing of proper shoes and other protective clothing, to be added to the legal requirements for motorcyclists.

Currently, the Road Traffic Act only mandates motorcyclists to wear a proper helmet. 

Orthopedic Surgeon at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital Dr. Cary Fletcher made the suggestion during the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) review meeting, Friday.

In giving an update on the meeting, vice chairman of the NRSC, Dr. Lucien Jones, explained that Dr. Fletcher’s suggestion is premised on the fact that as a medical doctor, he is aware of the severity of injuries sustained by motorcyclists, during crashes.

Dr. Jones noted that, if other protective requirements are legally stipulated, it may help with getting bikers to do more to protect the whole body, not just the head.   

While acknowledging the problem with getting bikers to even wear a helmet, Dr. Jones stressed that efforts to increase road safety must continue.