MOTORISTS SHOULD BE WARNED ON ROAD SAFETY

Two (2) motorcycle riders from Gordon Heights and Mabayuan died of injuries sustained in a collision with a Toyota Camri car that occurred about 3:45 in the morning on February 13, 2010.

“A Toyota Camry car was traveling along Rizal Ave. from the direction of RM Drive heading towards the direction of Ulo ng Apo Rotonda and upon reaching Rizal ave. cor. 15th St. collided with a Motorstar MCX single motorcycle driven by a 22 year-old male Jeff Mark John Avenila y Ulanday of #14 Woodhouse St. Gordon Hgts. with a 21 year-old back rider Melbert Pagas y Oca of #49 Brgy. Mabayuan traveling at opposite direction. Both parties were under the influence of alcohol,” P/Supt. Zaldy A. Antonio chief of Traffic Enforcement and Patrol Unit disclosed.

“This will serve as a lesson to all of us, I’m appealing to all Olongapeños to take part in this very important reminder . This is for your own safety, let us religiously follow the guidelines set by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), “ Mayor James Gordon, Jr. stressed.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) recently has issued an amended guidelines in the operations of motorcycles on roads and highways for the safety of the public in general.

The official administrative order issued by Assistant Secretary and LTO Chief Alberto Suansing stressed that a license with restriction Code No. “1” shall be carried by the driver/rider of the motorcycle or scooter at all times.

Other recommended guidelines by the technical working committee headed by Engr. Joel Donato, chief of the LTO-Motor Vehicles Inspection Section are as follows:

1. the driver shall anytime of the day switch on the headlight of the motorcycle or scooter while it is being operated on the highway.

2. LTO has increased the fines and penalties for those who would violate the rules and regulations. Drivers and back riders who fail to wear prescribed helmet will be fined P1,500 plus attending seminar for traffic safety to be conducted by LTO

3. For carrying more passengers other than the back rider or cargo, a penalty of P1,000

4. for defective accessories such as headlight, tail light, signal light, brake light, side mirror and horn a fine of P1,000 for the violators.

5. for modifying any part of the original design of a motorcycle or scooter without approval of LTO and the DTI a fine of P2,000

6. Lastly for wearing flip flop, sandals, or slippers fine of P500 for the first offense, P700 for the 2nd offense and p1,000 for the 3rd offense and revocation of driver’s license.