Hanoi: The police and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) of the commune of Fara initiated an awareness operation named 'Head Shield' on Monday morning. This initiative focuses on promoting the use of helmets among road users on the main roads of the city, including the Regional Road (RR) No. 11.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the operation spanned from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., during which awareness teams, led by the police commissioner of the Fara district, Lassina Kon, navigated the streets to emphasize the importance of helmet use. The initiative is part of a national strategy aimed at enhancing road safety and mitigating traffic accident risks.

The operation saw police officers and VDP members patrolling the city's major routes in several teams. They engaged with users riding without helmets, informing them about the dangers and urging them to wear protective gear. Non-compliant users were simply redirected without facing punitive measures, as explained by the awareness officers.

The teams involved noted that previous awareness efforts have led to improved helmet use among most road users, though some motorcyclists still neglect this practice, necessitating ongoing awareness campaigns. Officers highlighted that helmets are crucial for preventing head injuries in accidents, significantly lowering the risk of severe or fatal injuries.

Safety officers stressed the importance of making helmet use a habitual practice for all road users, reinforcing that "a helmet is the head's shield." The "Head Shield" operation is set to continue in Fara, aiming to ensure that wearing a helmet becomes a permanent road safety standard for all users.