The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Sector Command, has warned motorcyclists against riding on the highways in the state without a crash helmet, saying that defaulters will be arrested if caught.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). the FRSC State Sector Commander, Dr Samuel Ibitoye, gave the warning on Sunday in Akure, the state capital.

Ibitoye said that the corps had redoubled its efforts to arrest, impound and prosecute any motorcyclist riding on highways without a helmet.

He explained that most of the crashes involving motorcycles without crash helmets usually resulted in fatalities, where skulls, limbs and thighs were broken.

“It is good for motorcycle riders to avoid highways completely but when they find themselves there, they should use crash helmets and not engage in competition with the vehicles, especially heavy vehicles.

“Don’t claim any rights on the way as an exposed road user, please let the vehicle go and have your own life intact. There is a sanction for any motorcyclist riding on highways without the use of a helmet.

“The motorcycle will be impounded and a fine paid, but that is not the major thing we are preaching. We are preaching the use of the helmet and safety first,” he said.

The commander, therefore, called on traditionalists, religious leaders and title-holders riding motorcycles without crash helmets to desist from such attitudes for their own safety.

“Do not say because you are a titleholder or a religious person, that it is only your turban or cap you must wear. No, If you want to entertain your titles, don’t go and ride. Please think of your own safety rather than the title you are talking about.

“Crashes do not know religion, it doesn’t know tradition, it doesn’t know titles, and when it happens, it takes you asa human and your body goes for it as a motorcycle rider.

“So, if you must ride, wear your crash helmet and if you don’t want to wear a helmet, please go and board a vehicle or car. Don’t get yourself killed unexpectedly,” Ibitoye said.