26 May 2020

New helmet law not seen as way to curb Cook Island road deaths

4:16 pm on 26 May 2020

A Cook Islands man who's fighting a new law that makes it compulsory for motorcyclists to wear helmets says it's a waste of time.

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Mopeds, scooters and motorcycles are a popular mode of transport in the Cook Islands Photo: 123RF

The parliament brought in the helmet law in march, in an effort to curb the numbers dying on the roads of Rarotonga.

But Moana Moeka'a said the law was snuck through during the Covid turmoil, and he wants it overturned.

He said helmets would not solve the bad behaviour on the roads by a select few.

"Mainly teenagers, all those under the age of 35, and speed and alcohol are the two major ingredients that are leading to deaths.

"So they are running around at 50 to 60 kms an hour when the speed limit is 40. And also you have the role of alcohol."

Mr Moeka'a said helmets should be optional and more effort should be put into things like policing.

The law comes into force next month.