INTERNATIONAL NEWS:PNP strengthens implementation of Mandatory Helmet Law

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Philippines:http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p100923.htm&no=32&r=&y=&mo= PNP strengthens implementation of Mandatory Helmet Law Tacloban City (September 23) -- The Philippine National Police will strictly implement the Mandatory Helmet Act of 2010 or RA 10054 that requires all motorcycle drivers and their passengers to wear helmets at all times and imposes stiff penalties on violators, PSInspector Ma. Bella B. Rentuaya, chief of the Police Community Relations Office of Tacloban City Police Office, informed.

Republic Act 10054 is aimed at protecting motorcycle drivers, back-riders as well as pedestrians from injuries and death in accidents.

The law also mandates that all motorcycle riders to wear helmets that passed the Government quality standards which bears the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) issued by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Further, children below ten years old are also not allowed to ride with their parents in a single motorcycle even with helmet and body protection since it may threaten or endanger the survival and normal development of the children under RA 7160 or the Child Protection Law.

Any person caught not wearing the standard protective motorcycle helmet will be punished with a fine of P1,500.00 for the first offense, P3,000.00 for the second offense, P5,000.00 for the third offense, and P10,000.00 plus confiscation of the driver's license for the fourth and succeeding offenses.

The law requires the Department of Trade and Industry to conduct mandatory tests on all locally manufactured and imported motorcycle helmets in the country.

Manufacturers and importers of motorcycle helmets are also required to secure a Philippine Standard mark or an import commodity clearance before they can sell and distribute their products or pay a fine of P10,000 to P20,000 if they violate the provision.

Every seller and/or dealer should make available, every time a new motorcycle unit is purchased, a new motorcycle helmet that bears the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) and complies with the standards set by the BPS, which the purchaser may buy at his option.

From narrow streets to major thoroughfares, motorcycles and scooters are a common sight every day and night. Wearing helmets will greatly reduce fatalities in road accidents and would also (foster) a sense of discipline in all motorcycle riders.

There are an estimated 3.5 million motorcycles registered in the country. Studies have show that good helmets and their proper use are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries and 67 percent effective in preventing brain damage to motorcycle drivers and their passengers. (PIA 8)