Transport Ministry has urged the public to take road safety measures and to ride and drive at a safe speed following a hike in dangerous road accidents that have led to major injuries and the loss of lives.

The ministry posted a tweet on Friday regarding the recent hike in accidents across the nation. As such, an accident that occurred in Addu City left a 6-year-old with severe head injuries on Friday. The child was brought to capital city Male’ for emergency treatment on Saturday. The boy was treated at Hithadhoo Regional Hospital before being transferred to the capital as his condition worsened. His condition has since been reported stable.

In addition, two minors speeding on motorcycles had also gotten into a serious accident late Friday. The two 16-year-olds crashed into a parked car after having lost control while trying to overtake another vehicle. Injured in the accident were the two 16-year-olds and a 26-year-old. The three were immediately transferred to Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for treatment. Hospital officials report that their conditions are stable with the 26-year-old and one 16-year-old having been discharged on Saturday.

Transport ministry pushed the public to wear safety helmets as well as harness belts if carrying a child, and to also use the seat belt when driving.

Earlier this year, the ministry had announced its decision to enforce wearing helmets while crossing the Sinamale’ bridge.

As such, the ministry is to make wearing helmets while crossing the bridge, compulsory from the 10th of March onwards in order to reduce the exceeding accidents over the bridge since it was inaugurated.

It has also been made clear that legal measures will be taken against those who do not abide by ministry orders.

As part of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s first 100-day pledges, the government is to distribute 5,000 helmets to the public.