BENGUET is set to penalize motorists not wearing reflective safety vests.

On Monday, March 11, members of the Benguet Provincial Board approved on third and final reading the proposed ordinance requiring all drivers and riders of motorcycles, tricycles, e-bikes, and bicycles to wear high visibility vests.

Offenders will be fined P2,000 for first offense, P3,000 for second offense and P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year or both at the discretion of the court for the third and succeeding offense.

Board Member Fernando Balaodan, proponent and chairman of the committee on peace and order, said the ordinance requires motorists traveling from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. or during the onset of dusk until sunrise, when there is poor visibility on the road, to wear safety vests.

"Road traffic injuries continue to be the leading cause of death among young and old people; thus, under the sustainable development goals, the target would be to have the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents involving motorcycles and to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all," stated the measure.

Benguet recognizes the greater need for policy action to reduce motorcycle, tricycle and bicycle accidents that resulted to physical injuries and death, he added.

"In case drivers, riders and back riders of motorcycle, tricycle and bicycle carry with them a backpack, it should have a reflectorizer or a high visibility material big enough for easy visibility," Balaodan stated.

Tasked to implement the ordinance include the police stations of the 13 municipalities and the Land Transportation Office. Fines and penalties will be collected by the local government unit concerned.