Burkina Faso Government to Enforce Helmet Laws, Says Minister Somda

Ouagadougou – The Government of Burkina Faso is set to intensify enforcement of helmet laws for two and three-wheeler users, shifting from awareness to repression to curb traffic accidents, announced the Minister of Road Safety, Roland Somda.

According to Burkina Information Agency, while awareness campaigns have been the primary strategy since the introduction of helmet-wearing regulations in 1978, the approach is reaching its limits. This acknowledgment came during Somda’s response to an oral question with debate from Deputy Assita Romaine Benedicte Baïlou at the Transitional National Assembly on Tuesday.

The minister highlighted the alarming statistics of traffic accidents and emphasized the need for stronger measures, including repression, to ensure compliance with the helmet laws that have been in place for 45 years. He expressed regret that these laws had not been effectively enforced previously.

Somda also noted his department’s efforts in promoting helmet usage, including integrating highway code education in primary and post-primary schools. However, the persistently high frequency and severity of traffic accidents involving moped, scooter, and motorcycle users necessitate a shift in strategy.

Statistical data from the police and the national gendarmerie reveal the extent of the issue. In 2022, Burkina Faso recorded 24,686 traffic accidents, resulting in 1,150 fatalities and 15,384 injuries. The first half of 2023 saw 11,717 accidents with 7,335 injuries and 471 deaths.

The minister’s announcement indicates a significant policy change, focusing on enforcement to address the ongoing challenge of traffic safety for two and three-wheeler users in Burkina Faso.