Despite the absence of Implementing Rules and Regulations on the use of crash helmets, Land Transportation officials in Region 7 maintained that the law on the wearing of these protective head gear still stands.

Assistant Regional Director Tansingco and regional operations chief Macario Getaruelas,  of LTO Central Visayas  who are in Negros Oriental for a two-day visit to the LTO district offices in the province, highlighted the need for motorcycle drivers and riders to wear helmets as required by law.

They admitted, however, that since there are no clear-cut guidelines yet from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the prescribed type of helmet, and which shops are accredited in selling these, any type will do for now.

The LTO has also cut some slack in the implementation of the law on the use of helmets in instances where a local government unit has passed an ordinance, such as in Dumaguete City, seeking a moratorium until the IRR has been released, Getaruelas said.

Dumaguete popularly known as a “motorcycle capital” with majority of its users having shown opposition to the law, had initially made arrangements with the LTO district office for a moratorium which ended October last year, he added.

One of the concerns raised by motorists is the cost of helmets, especially for families who need to have one for each member riding a motorcycle.

Getaruelas admitted he has no idea yet whether the moratorium or agreement between the city and the LTO-Dumaguete district office had been extended.

Tansingco, meanwhile, urged local government units to promote and support the campaign on wearing of helmets as a road safety measure.

Tansingco, formerly executive secretary of the City Traffic Operations Management of Cebu said that the city is very conscious of public safety and thus, is strictly implementing the law on helmet use.*JFP

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