IN A bid to reduce vehicular traffic accidents (VTAs), Benguet lawmakers want motorists and riders to use reflective safety vests.
Approved on first reading during the Provincial Board regular session on Monday, January 28, the ordinance requires all motorcycle, e-bike, bicycle, tricycle drivers including back riders to wear a reflective vest when traveling on national highways, and all provincial and municipal roads in Benguet.
Board Member Fernando Balaodan, in his proposed ordinance, said a more preventive approach to secure the safety of motorists and their passengers including pedestrians is through the mandatory enforcement of using high visibility vest.
"Road transport injuries continue to be the leading cause of death among young and old people. The Province of Benguet recognizes the need for policy action to reduce motorcycle, tricycle, bicycle accidents that resulted in physical injuries and even death, "Baloadan said.
Balaodan, who is also chairman of the committee on peace and order, wants all motorists to wear the reflective vest with reflective tape when taking long and short trips along the roads in the province from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. when visibility is usually poor.
Violators face a fine of P2,000 for a first offense, P3,000 for a second offense and P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year or both at the discretion of the court for the third offense and succeeding offenses.
Tasked to implement the ordinance are the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the deputized Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel.
Benguet Provincial Police Office records indicate that close to 10,000 VTAs have resulted in deaths, damage to property and injuries along the Halsema Highway since 2014.
The main cause of accidents was a human error with 7,333, followed by mechanical defects and road conditions.
Along three major thoroughfares in Tuba, Benguet, records show a 120-percent increase in the number of people killed due to traffic accidents. Tuba police records show 11 casualties from VTAs resulting to homicide along Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, and Asin Road.
A total of 305 VTAs were recorded in 2018, which was 23:48 percent higher compared in 2017. Human error remains the top cause of a road crash in the town. Among the vehicles that are mostly involved in a road, the crash is trucks, motorcycles, and vans.
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