Damaged helmets not allowed for reuse-DTI

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  – The DTI in Negros Oriental has announced that motorcycle helmets that have figured in an accident or have dents or tampered marks are no longer allowed by legal standards, even if these carry the required PS or ICC mark.

The announcement came as the entire province of Negros Oriental girds up for the full implementation of the mandatory helmet law on August 1, as stipulated in Republic Act 10054.

DTI’s Angeline Gonzalez said damaged helmets are no longer safe for the motorist as the impact of a crash would diminish its durability inside and outside, even if the cracks or damage is not visible to the naked eye. She said some DTI personnel have been trained to detect telltale signs of damage, as well as tampered markings or dents on helmets.

The DTI continues to accept applications for the issuance of ICC and visor stickers for helmets purchased prior to R.A. 10054 taking effect.

Roland Ramos, chief of the LTO-Dumaguete district office, also said that his men and other deputized traffic law enforcement agents would inspect the helmets if these had passed legal standards.

On August 1, a simultaneous province-wide full implementation of the mandatory helmet law is expected to take effect, unless otherwise halted by some intervening conditions, such as a temporary restraining order from the court, said Ramos.

He disclosed that teams from the national and regional LTO are expected to be deployed to Negros Oriental on that day to ensure that the law is carried out to the fullest.

Alberta Janine Lawas, chief of the LTO-Bais City district office, also confirmed that they are now gearing up for the August 1st implementation of R.A. 10054.

She also clarified that, during roadside inspection, absence of the prescribed pair of yellow and red early warning devices (EWDs) shall also be subject to apprehension. (FREEMAN)