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AUGUST 2, 2011 DATE

NR # 2483B
REF. NO.

Motorcycle safety training for end buyers sought


A neophyte lawmaker has moved to curb the alarming motorcycle mishaps by making it mandatory for motorcycle dealers to conduct basic motorcycle safety training for end buyers or their representatives prior to the actual release of the purchased motorcycle. Rep. Seth Frederick Jalosjos (1st District, Zamboanga del Norte) filed House Bill 4877 to make motorists more responsible and consequently lessen motor accidents by a significant percentage. Citing the 2009 study conducted by the Metro Manila Development Authoritys (MMDA) Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMRAS), Jalosjos said motorcycles have the highest rate for both fatal and non-fatal incidents as compared to cars and other vehicles. In filing the bill, Jalosjos noted the Constitutional mandate of the State to encourage the private enterprise sector, particularly the motorcycle dealers, to share the responsibility of the State in securing the welfare and safety of its people through an added after sales obligation of providing a buyer awareness program on the basic motorcycle safety on roads and highways as well as traffic safety management. Towards the end, a law promoting safety and welfare of motorists and pedestrians shall be adopted and implemented to mitigate motorcycle accidents on roads and highways, Jalosjos said. Under the measure, to be known as The Motorcycle Safety Training Act of 2011, mandatory basic motorcycle safety training shall be conducted by the motorcycle dealers prior to the release of a purchased motorcycle. The buyers or their representative are obliged to attend the said training and a certificate of attendance shall be released to him/her after its completion. Also, the dealer shall provide a record book of trainings conducted with the names of the buyers. The bill directs the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to implement the necessary guidelines and the comprehensive manual which shall cover the basic motorcycle and traffic safety management. Likewise, the LTO is mandated to conduct a nationwide information, education and communication (IEC) campaign in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for a period of six months to attain the objective of the measure. Motorcycle dealers who fail to comply with the mandated basic motorcycle safety training shall be punished with a fine of P5,000 for the first offense; P10,000 for the second offense; P15,000 for the third offense and P50,000 plus revocation of business permit for the fourth and succeeding offenses. (30) lvc

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