Published: August 22, 2025
YEKEPA, Nimba County – The Department of Health & Safety of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), in collaboration with the Liberia National Police, has concluded a one-day road safety training for commercial motorcyclists operating in the Yekepa region.
Held on August 12, 2025, the session brought together about 150 riders, each of whom received a certificate, a reflective safety jacket, and a helmet upon completion. The training was facilitated by AML Safety Manager Ahmad Massaquoi, AML Transport Coordinator Koffa Slewion, and police officers from the Yekepa detachment.
Discussions focused on the vital role of helmets in preventing head injuries, as well as the broader dangers of motorcycle accidents in Liberia. According to 2024 statistics, motorcyclists—most between the ages of 18 and 35—accounted for the largest share of the 138 recorded road accidents in the country.
In his remarks, Mr. Massaquoi stressed that careful, cautious riding is essential to preserving life. Recognizing that many young people in Liberia have turned to commercial motorcycling as a livelihood—often abandoning formal education to support their families—AML’s Health & Safety Department saw the need to provide both training and protective gear to help prevent serious injuries, especially to the head. He called on all stakeholders to take responsibility in promoting safer riding practices.
Mr. Slewion delivered an engaging presentation on helmet safety, noting that the head “contains everything about us,” and that a helmet significantly reduces the severity of injuries in an accident. He cautioned riders that head impacts can cause long-term damage—even when the injured person appears outwardly normal—underscoring the helmet’s role as a critical safeguard.
Police Commander Horace T. Zeigeay praised AML for organizing the program and providing safety materials to the riders. He urged motorcyclists to take safety seriously, noting that it is a matter of protecting their own lives. Commander Zeigeay also pointed out common violations of Liberia’s Vehicle and Traffic Law, including playing loud music while riding, using earpieces, riding in slippers, competing for road space with faster vehicles, and overtaking in dangerous areas all of which increase the risk of accidents.
The event ended on a note of mutual commitment to road safety, with AML, the Liberia National Police, and the motorcyclists agreeing that protecting lives must remain a top priority in the Yekepa region.
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