Capitol: Be strict on Helmet Law

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board has called on Cebu’s 51 towns and component cities to strictly implement Republic Act 10054, also known as the Helmet Law.

“There is a need for local government units to make sure that the said law is strictly followed as we have the responsibility to assure the general welfare of our constituents,” reads the resolution penned by Ex-Officio Board Member Earl Tidy Oyas.

RA 10054 requires motorists to wear either a half-faced helmet with clear visor or a full-faced helmet with clear visor to ensure the protection of the riders.

Under the law, violators will be fined P1,500 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, P5,000 for the third offense and P10,000 plus confiscation of driver’s license for the fourth and succeeding offenses.

Oyas said the measure aims to “pursue a more proactive and preventive approach to ensure the safety of the motorists, their passengers and pedestrian at all times” through the enforcement of the Helmet Law.

“It is the policy of the State to secure and safeguard its citizenry, particularly the drivers of motorcycles and their passengers from the extremely ruinous effects of fatal or life threatening accidents,” he said.

Oyas said motorcycle-related incidents should have been prevented if motorists and government agencies are compliant with the law.

“Motorcyle-related accidents and fatalities have increased in the province. The meaningless fatality could have been prevented if the said law is strictly implemented,” he said.

“The importance of wearing standard protective helmet should be highlighted. Motorists should wear it even in short distances,” he added.

Records of Cebu City Traffic Office showed that a minimum of six accidents happen every day. Some notable traffic accidents have been recorded both occurring in the city and in the province of Cebu.

The World Health Organization’s road safety report showed that 1.25 million people have died globally due to road accidents, with motorcyclists comprising 23 percent of deaths.

Without action, WHO said road traffic crashes are predicted to rise to become the seventh leading cause of death by 2030.

WHO said wearing a motorcycle helmet correctly can reduce the risk of death by almost 40 percent and the risk of severe injury by over 70 percent. (FREEMAN)