Turban-clad riders need helmets, too

DAGUPAN CITY – Someone had better come up with a turban-shaped helmet, since no one – not even motorcycle-riding Indian nationals who wear the headdress – is exempted from the “No Helmet, No Riding” ordinance to be passed in this city soon.

Robert Erfe-Mejia, chief of the city’s public order and safety office, related to The STAR yesterday how an Indian national, who was at Mejia’s office to settle a traffic violation, told Mejia that people like him who wear turbans are exempted from wearing helmets.

But Mejia said he was not aware of such an exemption and asked his guest to show him a copy of this order – if it exists – so that he could inform local lawmakers about it.

Mejia said the intention of the proposed ordinance as envisioned by Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. is to show to all that while Dagupan City is a “friendly city it is also a safety-conscious place.”

“While we encourage investors to come in, we would like also to encourage our people and our visitors to observe safety at all times,” he said.

Indian nationals living in the country number in the thousands and are very entrepreneurial, often engaged in the business of selling household wares and fixtures, including umbrellas, blankets, electric fans and mats. Buyers are allowed to pay in installments.

They also offer “instant loans” paid on installment on a daily basis, and they personally make the rounds of the residences to collect the payments.

Last Tuesday, a public hearing on the proposal was held at the city council and was attended by 12 active motorcycle riding associations and 11 motorcycle dealers in the city who strongly endorsed the proposed ordinance.

Mejia said the proposed local ordinance seeks to impose tougher penalties on violators who do not wear safety helmets as a way of strengthening the national law to prevent serious head injuries in road accidents involving motorcycles.

Once approved, billboards will be placed around entry points in the city to inform motorists and visitors about this ordinance.

Currently, motorcycle riders who do not wear helmets are left in the hands of agents of the Land Transportation Office.