Motorcyclists breaking the Road Traffic Act

You see them every day - riders, sometimes with their pillions, going at full speed without wearing their helmets. And from time to time, right behind them, are the police in their helmets. It's a juxtaposition that is cause for concern.

Why are riders and their pillions allowed to flout the law, sometimes in full view of lawmen, paid to uphold the law?

According to Section 43D (1) of the Road Traffic Act, "Every person shall, at all times while driving, or riding on, a motorcycle, wear a protective helmet of the prescribed shape, quality, construction or standard."

Section 43D (10) states, "A person who contravenes Subsection (1) commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction before a resident magistrate: (a) in the case of a first offence, to a fine not exceeding $2,000; (b) in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $5,000.