Burkina Faso to enforce mandatory helmet use for motorcyclists by 2025

Starting in 2025, motorcyclists and their passengers in Burkina Faso will be required to wear helmets, following a new directive from the Ministry of Security. This measure aims to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents, which disproportionately affect the country’s youth, the primary users of two-wheelers.

The introduction of mandatory helmet use addresses a critical public safety issue. Head injuries are a leading cause of death and severe disability among motorcyclists involved in accidents.

By reducing the risk of such injuries, helmets not only save lives but also lessen the burden on the healthcare system, freeing up resources for other pressing needs.

This regulation is more than a road safety initiative; it is a call to individual responsibility. Wearing a helmet is a simple yet impactful step that motorcyclists can take to protect themselves and safeguard their future.

The government views this shift as essential for fostering a culture of safety and accountability among road users.

In the long term, the policy is expected to yield broader benefits for the nation. Fewer severe accidents mean fewer resources spent on emergency and long-term medical care, allowing the government to allocate funds to areas such as education and economic development.

A healthier, more secure youth population will be better positioned to contribute to Burkina Faso’s progress and ambitions for the future.

Olivier TOE