The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc., an association of motorcycle manufacturers, has agreed to promote a road safety program in Negros Oriental and in the entire country.

The group said yesterday their support came after it noted that at least 1.2 million accidents in the country are caused by motorcycles.

Joseph Sison, its president, said they are promoting the road safety advocacy through their slogan, “Ride Safely, Enjoy Life.”

Sison said the motorcycle industry has grown tremendously but there is a pressing need to educate and inform users about the safety riding features.

This can only be done by improving their riding skills and habits, which will hopefully make roads safer, he said.

All motorcycle distributors in Dumaguete City have been given copies of the driving safety manual that includes instructions, traffic signs and basic guidelines in driving motorcycles.

Chairman Benedict Arreola of the Research and Planning Committee of MDPPA said, though, that it is difficult to change the culture of people using motorcycles in Dumaguete.

He said part of their road safety campaign is the use of helmets, but this is not required in Dumaguete unlike in other places such as Cebu and Metro Manila.

Arreola added that promoting road safety would be easier if there is a legislation to be followed by motorcycle riders.*MA

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