The Greek government is ready to table a draft provision in Parliament banning the sale of gasoline at petrol stations for motorcyclists driving without a helmet.
The initiative, announced by relevant Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos, comes several months after a gas station owner on the island of Crete announced that he’d stop selling fuel to drivers (and pillions) of motorcycles that don’t wear the protective gear. The businessman’s decision came after a young man on the large island lost his life in a motorcycle accident – a continuing scourge in the country.
The announcement went “viral” on Greek-language social media and soon earned the support of the country’s federation of gas station owners.
“This initiative deserves to be embraced by all. It’s a good opportunity for a nationwide campaign to attract everyone’s interest, and to get everyone to contribute to the self-evident habit of wearing a helmet when on a motorbike, so we don’t lose a single fellow human being again…”
Speaking on Thursday before members of a Parliamentary committee, Theodorikakos was asked if his ministry is considering a similar law affecting motorists who aren’t wearing a seat belt, or, preventing gas station attendants from providing fuel to drivers under the influence.
The minister said it would be impractical when dealing with seat belts, as many motorists exit their vehicles, while “it’s self-evident that a citizen must notify the police when realizing that a driver is under the influence.”