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Using Phones While Driving? Last updated 16 Aug 2003 Back to D'Singapore Scene
24 Dec 2002 Harley wants an end to tinted visor ban It backs call to lift the ban, saying that it could be uncomfortable for bikers to wear sunglasses with helmets By Karamjit Kaur LONG the symbol of motorcycle exclusivity, Harley Davidson is putting the weight of its name behind a rising call to let helmets with tinted visors be used by riders. The head honcho of Harley-Davidson's Singapore office feels, like many, that it is time for the 27-year ban to go. Said Mr Richard Park, general manager of Harley-Davidson of Singapore (1994): 'On long-distance rides, it can be very uncomfortable to wear sunglasses with helmets. 'So why not just leave it to riders and their pillions to decide whether they prefer sunglasses or tinted visors?' He was referring to a situation in which motorcyclists face discomfort in both options allowed - Riders can either wear their sunglasses with full-face helmets that cover the jaw and chin, or over the untinted visors of helmets. Mr Park also said the comfort and safety of tinted visors are well-known. 'Many riders prefer using helmets with visors because they are safer when accidents happen,' he added. 'Good-quality visors do not crack or shatter.' The renewed call for a lifting of the ban, by two motorcyclists in The Straits Times Forum page early this month, prompted the police to disclose that they are reviewing the ban. One reader, Mr Ong Yong Keat, noted that car windscreens can be tinted up to 30 per cent although a motorcyclist's eyes are more exposed to sunlight than a car driver's. The police now say they are looking at the possibility of allowing some tinted visors which do not compromise safety and security. The president of the National Safety Council of Singapore, Mr Milton Tan, does not see any safety risks in tinted visors, which carry a fine of between $50 and $200. 'They were banned for security reasons,' said Mr Tan, who is also in favour of an end to the ban. The fear is that criminals could use such helmets to obscure their features. Protesting, Mr Park said: 'Surely it's unfair to impose the ban on all of us just because of a few bad eggs.' In the European Union, for example, tinted visors which block at least 50 per cent of the light are legal as long as they adhere to stipulated standards. Such standards can also be enforced here, said Mr Park. 'The authorities can always decide on the degree of tint allowed and prohibit the use of tinted visors at night.' TO TINT OR NOT
TO TINT? 'They were banned for
security reasons.' TOO UNCOMFORTABLE 'On long-distance rides,
it can be very uncomfortable to wear sunglasses with
helmets.' Only clear visors, such as these here, are allowed on the roads at the moment. But the police now say they are considering allowing some tinted visors which do not compromise safety and security.
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