AMET in Easter clamp down on motorcyclists without helmets

posted on: Mar 26 2010 8:37 by Royston. Viewed 856 times.


Motorcyclists cause 83.5 percent of traffic fatalities according to  the head of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (AMET). Major General Jos� An�bal Sanz Jimini�n added that failure to wear a crash helmet was the main factor in the deaths.

He said he intended to use the Holy Week (Semana Santa) as a the start of a campaign to compel bike riders and their passengers to wear helmets.

"Our officers will be clamping down on motorcyclists without a helmet, because we want to preserve the life of every citizen. Also, we will not allow more than two people to travel on a motorcycle," said Sanz Jimini�n during discussions with local media. He added that they would be looking out for infants and children being carried on motorbikes as well.

The Amet chief said that his officers will also be vigilant during Easter to prevent groups of people traveling in open vehicles, including the backs of trucks or vans.

He warned that road users failing to comply with these rules, will be arrested for violating Law 241.
General Sanz Jimini�n said that drivers who are caught driving without a seat belt or talking on cell phones, "regardless of  who they are, will be ticketed because the law should be equal for all." He said that drunk drivers, or drivers drinking inside the vehicle, will be arrested and fined.

The General insisted that there will be no preferential treatment for anyone, regardless of rank, or social status.

He also reported the start of a day of education for drivers to make it compulsory to turn right at traffic lights instead of waiting for the change of signal, to speed up traffic and help save time and fuel. He said that Amet agents are to be positioned at intersections to ensure lanes are kept clear and pedestrians do not step out into traffic.

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