As the tragic death of Ronald, the captain of Pinoy Riders Group Bahrain, in a traffic accident caused by an oil spill from a vehicle has sparked a debate about motorcycle safety in Bahrain, experts at the World Health Organization’s first global technical advisory group on motorcycle safety revealed that more needs to be done to prevent such accidents from repeating. In the aftermath of the fatal motorcycle crash in Bahrain, Dr. Hilda María Gómez, an expert in urban planning and mobility, emphasized the need for updated road design and maintenance standards that prioritize motorcyclist safety. She highlighted the importance of incorporating motorcyclist needs into road design, construction, and maintenance practices to prevent similar accidents in the future. Dr. Gómez also called for greater inclusion of motorcyclists in the planning of road safety initiatives to address hazardous road features that can pose significant risks to riders.
Additionally, Dr. Gómez emphasized the importance of regulating and enforcing standards for motorcycles used in public transport and goods delivery services to ensure safety. She recommended involving riders in the decision-making process of road safety initiatives and recognized the necessity for trained engineers to understand the unique risks faced by motorcycle riders. Building on international models of regulation, including guidelines from organizations such as iRAP and national efforts like the UK’s IEHE guidelines, experts like Delhaye stress the significance of policy development, road design, and maintenance in enhancing motorcycle safety globally. Implementing essential guidelines for managing oil spills on roads, improving vehicle standards, and raising awareness among heavy vehicle drivers about the risks of oil spills are crucial steps needed to prevent accidents like the recent incident in Bahrain.
Mohd Khairul Alhapiz bin Ibrahim, a senior researcher at the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, emphasized the importance of infrastructure improvements and policy changes to prevent motorcycle accidents like the one that led to Ronald’s death. He highlighted the need for motorcycle-specific safety measures, such as safer road designs, dedicated motorcycle lanes, and stricter licensing programs, to address the vulnerable position of motorcyclists on the road. With a focus on preventing oil spill-related incidents, Alhapiz called for a multifaceted approach that includes policy interventions, road surface improvements, and the adoption of advanced safety technologies like anti-lock braking systems and airbags for motorcycles. Recognizing the risks faced by motorcyclists worldwide, Alhapiz’s recommendations offer a clear path forward for reducing accidents and ensuring the safety of riders on the roads.
