Safety on two wheels

Negril seminar targets motorcyclists

Amid concerns about the increase in the number of motorcycle accidents in Westmoreland and Hanover, the Sandals, Beaches and Grand Pineapple Resorts in Negril hosted a Motorcycle Safety Awareness session in the Negril town centre last month.

The initiative was executed in association with the Negril Police and Fire Department. Over 20 motorcyclists were sensitised about emergency first response after an accident, defensive riding and general road safety.

District Officer André Fullwood, who shared information about first aid with the motorcyclists, said, "Negril has a large influx of motorbikes, so this was a well-needed venture. A lot of bikers are not equipped with knowledge of the safety measures necessary for taking care of themselves and their passengers, whether it relates to the most timely lifesaving decision after an accident or otherwise."

IMPORTANT SAFETY TRAINING

He added that "the Negril Fire Department is committed to providing more in-depth information, and we hope these road users will capitalise on the opportunity we are extending to them to receive further safety training and share it with others in the wider community".

The Road Safety Unit has raised concerns about motorcyclists, particularly in Westmoreland and Hanover, where motorcycles are used as public passenger vehicles.

Terron Connell, a motorcyclist from Negril, was grateful for the intervention. "It was a good session and we really learnt a lot from it, such as ways to stop bleeding and the right things to mention when requesting emergency assistance. This should be done more often."

In addition to receiving medical advice from the Fire Department, the bikers also benefited from road-safety tips provided by the police. These included proper road usage and defensive riding strategies.

"We have been trying to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents resulting from speeding and illegal modes of travel. many 'bike taxis' are operating illegally or, where they are licensed to carry one pillion passenger, many carry three or four," said Constable Junior Chin, traffic officer at the Negril Police Station.

Several bike-rental companies, such as Prento Bike & Car Rental, Gas Bike Rental, Conrod Bike Rental and Banmark Rental & Cambio, also supported the programme by donating motorcycle paraphernalia and safety gear, including helmets, tubes, indicators and reflectors for the motorcyclists.

The Sandals team plans further safety sessions for motorcyclists in other sections of Westmoreland and Hanover.