Motorcycle safety crisis grips Moldova
The interim head of the Road Safety Directorate at the National Public Safety Inspectorate (INSP), Pavel Apostol, reported that approximately 10,000 motorcyclists in Moldova were penalised between April and October for various traffic violations.
These violations included excessive speed, lack of appropriate protective gear, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, authorities impounded 3,000 motorcycles.
Apostol highlighted that the most common violations among motorcyclists were:
- Failure to signal when changing direction: A leading cause of motorcycle accidents.
- Excessive speed: A major contributing factor to serious accidents.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: A dangerous and illegal behavior that significantly increases the risk of accidents.
He further emphasised that many motorcyclists, particularly in rural areas, operate motorcycles that lack proper registration and technical inspection. Some riders are even underage. These factors, coupled with a tendency to evade police checks, contribute to a higher risk of accidents and traffic violations.
Apostol stressed the importance of wearing appropriate protective gear. While many protective gear options may appear adequate, they often fail to provide sufficient protection in the event of an accident. Proper protective gear can significantly reduce the severity of injuries and save lives.
To address the issue of excessive noise pollution caused by motorcycles, INSP is collaborating with the Ministry of Environment to establish permissible noise levels. This initiative aims to empower law enforcement to take action against motorcycles that exceed the noise limits and disrupt public peace.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
