BAGUIO City lawmakers are seeking to ensure the safety of riders and motorists.
An ordinance requiring all motorcycle, e-bike, scooters and bicycle riders to wear high visibility reflectorized vests or jackets when traveling at night was filed and approved on first reading this week.
Councilor Elaine Sembrano, in her proposed measure, wants all riders to wear the reflectorized vest when traversing city roads from 6:00 in the evening to 6:00 in the morning.
“Some riders overtake a moving vehicle from the right side even at night time, to prevent accidents caused by human error, there is a need to enact an ordinance to protect motorists, passengers, pedestrians and to preserve lives,” Sembrano said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported there are over 10,000 who die annually from road crashes in the Philippines, with those aged 20 to 24 being the most vulnerable.
Globally, road crashes are the main cause of death among people aged 15-19 years.
WHO estimates 1.25 million die from road crashes annually.
If the new law is passed, it will mandate all motorcycle, e-bike, scooters, and bicycle riders and passengers the mandatory use of reflectorized vests or jackets when traveling.
In case the riders or the passengers carry with them a backpack, it must have a reflector or a visible material big enough for easy visibility with the colors yellow, orange, and lime green considering that these colors are the standard for traffic-related safety vests.
Violators will be fined P1,000. The Baguio City Police Office will be tasked to enforce the law.