Babes, lots on motor bikes do not mix

By Gerry Garcia

SUZUKI and many other motorized motor-bikes, big and small, have invaded our roads in devastating numbers and more are coming. That’s why we see even middle-aged lolos and lolas in motorbikes on the road today testing their mettle against the younger ones’.

Of late we’ve been treated to a sight on the open road more alarming: babies and tots of 7 years and below, bundled or clinging to their elders for dear life, as their motorcycle manages a risky squeeze through the gap between two vehicles out-racing one another. And only one of the 3 travelling elders was wearing the requisite head gear or helmet.

The requisite rider helmet is mandated, we know, by traffic law governing use of the motorcycle including corresponding fines based on the number of offenses committed.

Such laws, however, even if given clout by corresponding fines, are hardly complied with by Pinoy drivers, reputedly known for being a reckless braggart. Only the weaker sex, it seems, who have dared to take up the challenge only meant for males, are seen as wiser and more willing to comply with the law regarding use of the helmet.

From Vietnam, accredited with having one of world’s highest traffic fatality rates, comes this unnerving news account of the death of a 7-year kid who bashed her head into the motorized bike’s handlebars when it was hit headlong by two speeding drunk drivers on motorbike. The grieving mother blamed the accident on her kid’s not using a helmet.

To be more exact, the mother found it easier to forget giving her kid the needed helmet because the fines for non-use of the helmet is too low, That’s why she, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and others are now calling on the Vietnamese government to mend the legal loophole that they say is killing kids.

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Here in Pinoyland we think we can do better to avoid such a headache: pass a law banning kids and babies from riding on motorcycles even in tandem with their elders. Pinoy drivers, even if not drunk, are the most reckless bragging dared evils behind the handlebars.

Just look at the record of traffic fatality rates in this country today and you’ll find: Pinoy motorbikers hogging first place.

(Readers may reach columnist at sundaypunch2@yahoo.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/here-and-there/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)

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