Motorcycle safety law pushed

FOLLWING the alarming accidents, La Trinidad Councilor Roderick Awingan filed an ordinance providing safety parameters to lessen motorcycle-related incidents in the valley.

Various studies reveals motorcycles are more prone to accidents as they expose the driver and passenger to twice as much risk than in four-wheel vehicles.

Approved on its second reading, the proposed ordinance states no person should ride motorcycle or scooter within the municipality without a valid driver’s license issued by LTO, a motorcycle helmet duly approved by DTI, and no person should ride an unregistered motorcycle or

scooter within the municipality of La Trinidad.

The ordinance adds any person driving a motorcycle or scooter should drive the same at a careful and prudent speed, not greater than 40km/hr.

Moreover, only one back rider at a time be allowed on a motorcycle or scooter who must be provided with a seat and footrest.

Driving while under the influence of liquor or narcotic drug will also be prohibited including the use of cellular phone or other similar gadgets while operating a motorcycle.

The ordinance also states a driver should observe the rule on one lane per one vehicle only. Lane splitting is prohibited along a road.

Motorcycle will also be banned along sidewalks.

A driver will not be allowed to wear more than one earphone attached to an audio device while riding. All safety devices like side mirrors and proper working headlight, taillights or signal lights and fairly audible horns are strictly required to all motorcycles. No driver will be allowed to carry cargo other than the saddle bags or luggage carriers specifically designed and approved by the DTI and no straddling while refilling in fuel stations.

The proposed ordinance also directs the Traffic Management Section of La Trinidad Police Station to implement the law once is passed the while the municipal treasury and the municipal legal service are tasked to cause the incorporation of the regulated provisions to issue traffic violation citation ticket.

Any person who violate the ordinance will be penalized ranging from P300 to P500 for the first and second offense, and P2,500 on the third offense.