Sikh truckers propose changes to turban transit system

BRAMPTON, Ont. — A properly wound turban is as safe as a motorcycle helmet.

That’s what a group of Sikh truckers told Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak last week; and they want him to do something about it. They want him to get the laws changed, in fact.

Hudak met with the 800-plus-member Indian Trucking Association in Brampton to discuss, mainly, issues surrounding trucking and according to a report in the South Asian Focus newspaper, the discussion turned to turbans and the fact that some people believe a: that they’re as safe as helmets and b: they should be legal headwear for bikers.

According to the Focus, Hudak promised to look into the issue. (Nor Hudak or the Indian Trucking Association had not returned todaystrucking.com’s in time for this posting).

According to one Sikh in attendance at the meeting, turbans were used as helmets during WWI and WWII and in both conflicts, proved to be as effective as military helmets.

The president of the association Nachhattar Singh Chohan claimed that if a turban is tied properly, it’s stronger than a helmet.

This isn’t the first time Sikh truckers have advocated for relaxed safety laws for Sikhs wearing turbans.

Over the last few years, Sikhs have battled railways and port authorities over Canadian workplace safety rules that require workers, including truckers, to wear protective hardhats in certain safety sensitive areas. 


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