Millions of dollars have been spent on motorcycle safety campaigns to encourage riders to wear approved helmets. Shocking, funny and any other type of commercial that could capture both the publics and riding population's attention have been created.

But now the issue of wearing motorcycle helmets has been referred to one of society's oldest authorities, religion.

Some of Indonesia's leading clerics are looking to invoke an Islamic edict against bikers who choose to go helmetless. The 'fatwa' is being considered as the next step to combat the chaotic and deadly roads of the world's most populous Muslim country, Indonesia.

Millions of fatwas have been issued over the 1,400 year history of Islam, usually to deal with issues faced by Muslims in their daily life, such as the customs of marriage, financial affairs or moral questions.
 
Issued in response to questions by ordinary Muslims, Fatwa's can go unnoticed by those not concerned or affected by the subject of the edict. The fatwa being discussed to get Indonesian riders into helmets wouldn't carry a penalty for those ignoring it, but many hope that making road safety a moral and religious issue could be more effective than the law.

As with many nations in that part of world, motorcycles play a major role in the everyday transportation of Indonesia, with smaller engine bikes filling the roads for personal and commercial needs. The growing number of motorcycles are outpacing the authorities abilities to improve the road systems. Between the conditions of the country's road and the traffic, its estimated up to 32 riders die a day in traffic accidents.
 

Although helmets have been legally required since 1988, a recent government study found that 30% of riders who lived in cities didn't wear the essential piece of motorcycle safety equipment and even fewer bikers wear them in the countryside.

According to reports the Ulema Council, an influential board of Islamic clerics, will consider issuing the edict after consultations with the Road Safety Association, motorcycle riders, government regulators and medical professionals.

"As Islamic people, we have to protect our religion, our body and soul, our mind, our ancestry and our wealth," council general secretary Ichwan Sam noted, "Wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle is included in the protection of our body and soul."