Starting on December 16, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Police in the Philippines is requiring riders of motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, electric bikes, and agricultural machinery traveling on the provincial highways to wear high-visibility or reflective vests, including their pillion riders, to enhance safety measures and reduce road accidents.
The regulation stipulates that riders must wear high-visibility vests or reflective vests between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM the following day. The regulation officially takes effect on January 1, 2024, and until that time, it is in the dissemination phase. The government will focus on expanding information campaigns, and riders violating the rules during this period will not face penalties but, instead, will receive a reflective vest distributed by the government.
Antonio Mazan, spokesperson for the Ilocos Norte Provincial Police, stated that it is not necessary to wear standard vests, and anything that can serve as a reflector, such as work vests, safety vests, rider vests, or reflective rider jackets, is acceptable.
After January 1, 2024, riders violating the rule will face the following penalties:
- First violation: Fine of P500 or three days of community service.
- Second violation: Fine of P1000 or five days of community service.
- Third violation and subsequent violations: Fine of P1500 or seven days of community service.
The number of road accidents has been increasing at an alarming rate, with 222 accidents reported between January 1 and December 6, 2023. The implementation of the new regulation aims to ensure the safety of drivers. Residents also pointed out that the government needs to equip the province’s highways with good lighting facilities to improve visibility at night.
Jonathan Fernandez, an accountant and local resident, suggested in a social media post that law enforcement officers should intensify mandatory checks on wheeled vehicles to ensure that the headlights are bright enough and do not dim.
According to the latest data from the Land Transportation Office, the Ilocos region averages 37 road traffic accidents per day, with 50% involving motorcycles. The Provincial Board stated that the issuance of this ordinance is to reduce accidents that lead to personal injury or even death, strengthen protective measures, and promote safe travel.
