EDITORIAL - The helmet law

The government is implementing the Motorcycle Helmet Act nationwide starting Tuesday, January 1. This after the Department of Trade and Industry closed the issuance of the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers to motorcycle riders.

The law was supposed to take effect last August. But it was postponed since the DTI wanted more time to inspect all helmets in the country to ensure they bear ICC sticker issued by the Bureau of Products Standard.

The ICC stickers are issued to motorcycle riders with helmets prescribed by the law. Under the helmet law, they must wear helmet, half-face or full-face, with a clear visor to ensure their protection.

In order to determine the authenticity of their helmets, the DTI had conducted inspections to see if the law is being complied with. So there is no more stopping the concerned agencies from enforcing the law as they already exhausted all resources in their information campaign.

As Land Transportation Office regional director Raul Aguilos puts it, the law’s implementation will push through as scheduled.  “This is already a law and has passed all the stages in the legislative process. We have given them so much time as far as the law is concerned. All of us are already aware that come January 1st, law enforcers must fully implement RA 10054. We will strictly impose all the penalties and fines and you should comply with the law,” he said.  

Now as it goes full blast, the law will take its course ensuring proper protection to motorcycle riders. The only thing that remains to be seen is the public cooperation. Of course motorists have the obligation to cooperate otherwise they have no business plying the road being exposed to injuries or death.

However, we cannot deny the fact that there are many with financial difficulties who would rather choose to settle for substandard helmets. Besides, the fact that inferior helmets are still flooding the market only shows the law is still bound to be violated.

Authorities are now in for a big challenge. Properly implementing the law should not only be limited to going after those wearing sticker-less helmets. It should include waging war against those who peddle such substandard stuff.