Ouagadougou: The Manga National Police launched an awareness campaign on Thursday called "Operation Head Shield", aimed at reminding users of two- and three-wheeled vehicles of the obligation to wear a helmet, both day and night. The operation mobilized around sixty agents, including Auxiliary Security Volunteers (VAS), deployed in particular in the main intersections and roundabouts of the city of Manga.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the head of the regional traffic and road safety service of Nazinon, Police Lieutenant Daouda To©, stated that this initiative is part of the ongoing awareness campaigns on helmet use undertaken by the Burkinabe authorities. 'We have observed that some users continue to travel without helmets once night falls. Others only wear them when they see security officers in the distance,' noted Lieutenant Daouda To©.

Through "Operation Head Shield," security forces intend to make wearing a helmet a permanent reflex for road users. "Day and night, a helmet protects life," the officer emphasized. The operation focuses primarily on raising awareness among road users and ensuring compliance with helmet regulations. Officers have stopped drivers and passengers to remind them of the risks associated with riding without a helmet.

A road user, Bemwidi, encountered during the operation, praised the police initiative. "Many people think that helmets are only for daytime use," he observed, believing that this perception needs to change. "Wearing a helmet should be a reflex for every road user, regardless of the distance," he added.

As a reminder, wearing a helmet is mandatory for drivers and passengers of motorized two-wheeled vehicles in Burkina Faso.