The cost of safety

Two directives aimed at the country’s transport sector and riding public, one of which was described as “anti-poor” by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, are in the limelight.

The rationale is to ensure passenger and rider safety, albeit at a cost.

The first is the Motorcycle Helmet Law which is supposed to take effect in August. Critics said full-face helmets (compared to other models) were cumbersome, expensive, and that the public wasn’t ready to be flagged down on the street for not having quality control stickers of the ICC and Philippine Standards on their head gear.

Cost alone and red tape make the new rules difficult to swallow. Buying a new helmet of the right standard costs at least P2,000, with one for each driver and rider.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza and Rama’s sentiments both ordered their traffic teams to give leeway to motorcycle riders who don’t comply.

It’s enough that riders use crash helmets, which is required by city ordinances, they said.

The other directive was the requirement for bus drivers to procure a national driving certificate from the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (Tesda) as a pre-requisite for operators to secure or renew their franchise permits from the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In both cases, the requirements cost serious money for both rider and passenger.

The worry of police and law enforcers can’t be easily dismissed either that motorcycle-riding hoodlums can easily hide their features with full-face helmets and make it difficult for the police to identify them after a crime.

The proliferation of substandard helmets in the market and needless loss of lives in motorcycle accidents were factors that prompted Congress to come out with this law.

On the other hand, the directive for bus drivers to secure a Tesda certificate may only be another layer of red tape. It would pass on the cost of driving tests and other paperwork to operators, who already have the rising fuel and spare parts prices to complain about.

Yet, the overriding concern is safety on the road.

For this we have to agree with the LTO view that motorcycle riders can and should spend money to ensure not only their own safety but that of their passengers.

What’s the cost of a P5,000 top quality crash helmet as against the value of your life in a road accident?

And why should operators should be so tight-fisted that they wouldn’t spend for the assessment of their drivers?

Ensuring safety for the riding public comes at a price. That alone makes the extra expense worthwhile.