ROAD SAFETY MEASURES

A DRAFT ordinance was filed in the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) by Councilor Maybelyn Fernandez seeking to regulate the seating of children on tricycles, inside jeepneys, motorcycles and other vehicles, in the city of Dagupan.

Fernandez said she filed the measure as a mother to a newly born daughter Olivia, as well as public servant, saying the protection of children is one of her most important advocacies, along with other vulnerable sectors in the city, such as elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

The draft ordinance seeks to prohibit vehicles allowing children to hitch on a moving vehicle, riding in overloaded vehicles, including motorcycles.

Hitching is defined in the proposed measure as hanging on to, or ride on the outside, the rear end of, or on top of any vehicle, public or private., i.e., riding on the running board, step board or mud guard of any motor vehicle for any purpose.

At the same time, the draft ordinance seeks to prohibit the operator or driver of any vehicle to intentionally or knowingly allow, permit or tolerate the conveyance of children as passengers in excess of its registered capacity limit, and neither shall children be allowed to sit on the floor of any public transportation that shall compromise their safety, protection, comfort and convenience.

It also will not allow, permit or tolerate children to hop up or down any vehicle while moving, children to move, stick out their hands or even their head while the vehicles is in motion.

For children riding motorcycles, only children whose feet can reach the foot peg and are able to fully wrap their arms around the driver’s passenger seat will be allowed to ride motorcycles, provided that such children must wear protective gear and must be with an adult.

A penalty of not less than P500 but not more than P2,500 shall be imposed upon any person who shall commit any act of omission listed under the prohibited acts.

Holders of a valid franchise to operate a tricycle issued by the City of Dagupan may be revoked upon the recommendation of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) for repeated violations of the ordinance. (Leonardo Micua)

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