Letter: Fake helmets raise concerns

Dear Editor, The Police department’s response to the problem of fake German hats worn as crash helmets is pathetic and inexcusable (Teen injured in Nikao motorcycle collision, March 23).

To admit that there are too many of these fake helmets being used on the island and is beyond the ability of the police to sort out begs several questions.

1. Aren’t these fake helmets illegal?
2. When this problem started to appear on Rarotonga roads what did the police do to stop this from getting out of hand?
3. How difficult is this problem if police start advertising now that they are illegal and dangerous, and those continuing to use them will be prosecuted or fined?  
4. If as the police say, the legal ones have a safety stamp or sticker, how difficult is it to catch those persisting to use them, at road checks and anywhere on public roads, and find these persons?

The police should admit they have ‘dropped the ball’ on this issue and start fixing it – for the safety of our people especially, our young people!

Temu Okotai