Burkina Faso announces zero tolerance for helmet non-compliance

Burkina Faso's government is intensifying road safety measures to combat high accident rates. Security Minister Mahamoudou Sana announced a "zero tolerance" policy regarding mandatory helmet use, effective from the upcoming school year. This crackdown follows statistics revealing an average of 62 urban traffic accidents per day, resulting in 649 immediate deaths and nearly 9,000 injuries.

The Minister emphasized that law enforcement will utilize coercive and security means to ensure compliance, stating that excuses such as discomfort or hair preservation will no longer be accepted. He also criticized illegal vendors for the price gouging of safety equipment.

In the Goulmou region, the National Office for Road Safety (ONASER) held consultative meetings with transport companies, taxi associations, and driving schools. The initiative aims to recognize partners contributing to road safety culture and to gather local feedback to improve regional safety implementation.