asked the Minister for Local Government if and when he intends to make compulsory the wearing of crash helmets by motorcyclists and their pillion passengers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Crash Helmets.
5.
It is not my intention at present that the wearing of crash helmets be made compulsory. I welcome this opportunity once more to encourage young motor cyclists in their own interests to wear a helmet every time they ride their bikes—just as motorists should always wear seatbelts—and insist that their pillion passengers wear them also.
Having regard to the growing mortality rate among motor cyclists and to the fact that more motor cyclists are using our roads, it is an urgent matter to take some steps. Does the Minister say he proposes to take some steps in the future?
I do not think that is necessary. A study carried out by An Foras Forbartha showed that in 1975 65 per cent of motor cyclists involved in accidents were in fact wearing helmets and so were their passengers. I would imagine the number has increased since then so the position would appear to be righting itself. We would all hope that everybody using a motor cycle, whether as rider or passenger, would wear a helmet. Adding another offence would be a little bit useless, I think. I believe encouragement is making people use helmets and I hope that the practice will grow.
Because of the high mortality rate there should be a specific deterrent because of the high risk involved. It is vitally necessary safeguards should be introduced.
The only thing I can say is—it is a rather peculiar statistic—of the number killed in 1975 30 were wearing helmets and 19 were not. That does not prove anything but it does show that wearing a crash helmet is not the only safeguard. Users of motor cycles should take their time. Since 65 per cent were wearing crash helmets in 1975 I would imagine we are going prettly close to the maximum now.