The City of Bayawan is going after helmet-less motorcyclists as it implements the helmet law to ensure the safety of motorists, especially those plying the national highway.
Last month alone, the Bayawan City police recorded a total of nine motorcycle accidents wherein victims instantaneously died because of severe head injuries.
Mayor Rene Gaudiel said majority of the people in Bayawan City and neighboring towns ride motorcycles being the easiest mode of transportation. Unfortunately, almost all motorists do not practice safety measures such as wearing of helmets when traversing the national highway.
Gaudiel said he was challenged to enforce the law after seeing the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in May alone.
During his meeting with Sr. Insp. Errol Garchitorena, Bayawan police chief, they agreed to implement the helmet law and conducting checkpoints at the national highway and along city roads.
He said the checkpoints will also help reduce the number of motorists who are driving without licenses and vehicle registration.
Mayor Gaudiel said the city is not imposing a specific kind of helmet in the absence of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the law, so long as the head gear can provide protection to the motorists.
Sr. Insp. Garchitorena said they started implementing the helmet law last week as he thanked the community for their support despite some resistance from some motorists although continuous information dissemination and barangay forums have helped them understand the need to implement such law. (PNA/Maricar Aranas)