Manila: MMDA proposes enactment of Motorcycle Safety Law....

Manila: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=8255


MMDA proposes enactment of Motorcycle Safety Law....

MANILA, Dec. 14 (PIA) -– Amid the rise in the number of fatal road accidents involving motorcycle riders, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is proposing the enactment of legislative measures requiring motorcycle riders to wear appropriate safety attire.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino presented the idea during the Transport and Traffic Summit held recently at the Philippine Social Science Center in Quezon City.

In addition to the appropriate safety attire, Tolentino said the use of good quality helmets which conform to international standards should also be strictly enforced among riders, as well as the prohibition of a third passenger.

"There is an existing policy on this by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), as well as other similar city ordinances in effect. But unfortunately, there is laxity in the enforcement of these rules. I believe it is best to turn this policy into law for it to have more teeth," Tolentino said.

LTO Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-015 prescribes rules and regulations on the use and operation of motorcycles on highways.

Under the policy, motorcycle riders who fail to wear the standard helmet will be fined P1,500. Motorcyle drivers wearing flip flops, sandals or slippers or driving bare-footed will be fined from P500 up to P1,000 along with the revocation of their driver's license.

In line with this, Tolentino ordered the agency's traffic enforcers to strictly implement the "no helmet, no travel" policy on major thoroughfares and secondary roads.

The MMDA chief stressed that this is for the protection of the riders and warned that violators will be apprehended and meted the corresponding penalties.

"I'm appealing to local government units to likewise be strict on this matter and introduce other measures that will promote the safety of the riders," Tolentino said.

As an additional safety feature, Tolentino also wants motorcycles to have a system where the headlights automatically switch on during engine ignition.

Tolentino explained that motorcycle headlights should be on even during daytime to allow maximum visibility in the roads.

"I understand that several manufacturing firms have been putting this feature on their motorcycles. We hope that this will become a standard regulation among companies manufacturing and selling motorcycles," he said.