by PIA-Bohol
Amidst seemingly heated opposition of the implementation of the helmet policy for motorcycle riders and their riders, PSSupt. Constantino Barot bared a 99.99% compliance among drivers in Tagbilaran City during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting in Guindulman Bohol, September 2.
Bohol was among the provinces which did not strictly implement the provisions of the Land Transportation and Traffic Rules of the country, says Land Transportation Officer Joel Maloloy-on, during the meeting.
He added that his men would lead the intensification of the drive to ensure safety for motorcycle riding motorists.
The implementation came more than a week after City Police chief Arcadio Jamora Jr. announced the instruction for his men to go for motorcyclists who operate motorcycles without helmets.
Motorcycle riders and back riders then must wear helmets while those engaged in habal-habal would provide for the helmets of their passengers. Children below ten years are also banned to ride motorcycles.
Oppositors of the implementation of the helmet policy said it would be an added burden physically and financially while production helmets available in the markets are sub-standard and would defeat the protection purpose it could afford.
Many also reason out that using full faced helmets can easily mask criminals who could conveniently slip through police checkpoints.
On this, LTO Maloloy-on said studies from the LTO central Office has debunked the correlation between criminals and full faced helmets.
On the other hand, supporters of the policy claim that helmets provide the necessary protection for drivers and backriders from accidents and causing undue injury to others.
The order also came amidst a growing number of motorcycles impounded for being operated without plate numbers, or motorcyclists flagged down for driving without licenses or expired licenses, with unregistered or expired registrations.
The orders also came following a saturation drive for the motorcycle riding criminals as included focus area fo the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS).
Under the policy, first-time offenders of the helmet policy pays a fine of P1,500.
Fines for second offense is P3,000, P5,000 on the third time, and P10,000 plus confiscation of the driver’s license for the fourth and succeeding offenses.
A newer Mandatory Helmet Law still has no Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) so that local traffic officers and its deputized agents momentarily use RA 4136, city traffic supervisor Samonte said.
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