Helmet Law strictly enforced

By Margie L. Gadian

Wednesday 25th of July 2012

SAN JOSE, Antique, July 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here is strictly enforcing compliance with the use of standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving.

In line with the implementation of R.A. 10054, an act mandating all motorcycle riders to wear standard helmet gears when driving, the DTI through the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) issued a list of brands of helmets and visors with Philippine Standards (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark and Import Commodity Clearance or ICC.

Under the said law, all motorcycle drivers and back riders are required to wear at all times standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving whether long or short drives and in any type of road or highway.

On the other hand, sellers and/or dealers are required to sell or offer for sale only certified helmets that have passed through product testing and have complied with the specifications issued by DTI and with PS or ICC marks. Selling of uncertified helmets constitutes a violation and is a punishable offense.

Motor vehicle dealers are also advised to have available standard motorcycle helmets so that in every purchase of motorcycle unit, the customer may have the option to buy a certified helmet from them.

Vehicular accidents involving motorcycles have been a top cause of deaths in the streets in the country. Because this type of transport is easily available in the market, with prices getting lower, just anyone can now own it. The problem is riders tend to become king of the road without thinking so much of their safety, nor anyone else's, anymore.

According to Glen D. Fernando, Trade and Industry Development specialist, DTI has coordinated with different stakeholders like the motorcycle riders, local government units, Lang Transportation Office, the Philippine Information Agency, and other concerned agencies for an intensive information campaign on the strict compliance with the helmet law as to save human lives. (DTI/JSC/MLG-PIA6, Antique)