Negros Oriental 2nd District Rep. George Arnaiz is fully supporting the implementation of the country’s law on the use of crash helmets by motorcycle riders amid apprehensions raised by some sectors, especially in Dumaguete City, on the practicality of the law. {{more}}
Arnaiz said that it is imperative that motorcycle riders wear protective head gear as this could save their lives.
He cited as an example his son-in-law, who is still in a comatose stage following a road accident a few months back in Dumaguete.
According to Arnaiz, his son-in-law was usually conscientious in wearing a crash helmet when driving his motorcycle, but on the day of the accident, for some reason, he was not wearing one.
Arnaiz, a passionate rider who sometimes goes on countryside visits on board his trail bike, said he understands the sentiments of many people here who need to invest in crash helmets, but “we are talking about saving lives here,” he said.
Records show that most of the road accidents in the province involved motorcycles, Arnaiz pointed out.
He also noted the absence of implementing guidelines on the new law on helmet use that was passed sometime last March but even without these, authorities can actually enforce a previous similar law on crash helmets if they wanted to.
“It is a national law and there is not much that we can do about it except to abide by it,” Arnaiz stressed.
Land Transportation Office-Dumaguete chief Roland Ramos had earlier announced a six-month period beginning last March for motorcycle riders to acquire crash helmets before his office will begin implementing the law by October. (PNA)