SAFETY FIRST
Netizens have different take to the announcement of Cebu City officials that they are looking for ways how to properly implement the new law that prohibits small children from riding motorcycles.
Republic Act No. 10666, or an Act Providing for the Safety of Children Aboard Motorcycles, which took effect last week, makes it unlawful for any person to drive a motorcycle with a child on board on public roads where there is heavy volume of vehicles, there is a high density of fast moving vehicles or where a speed limit of more than 60/kilometers for hour, unless:
(a) The child passenger can comfortably reach his/her feet on the standard foot peg of the motorcycle;
(b) The child’s arms can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider; and
(c) The child is wearing a standard protective helmet referred to under Republic Act No. 10054, otherwise known as the “Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.”
The only exception is when child to be transported requires immediate medical attention.
Facebook user Gercia Joshua applauded the law but since many children will be deprived of a commonly used mode of transport in going to their schools, he suggested that the city government should instead provide school buses for public schools.
Another Facebook user, Alan Schmidt wrote: “As a parent, you are responsible for the safety of your child and have no reasons for babies to be on a motorcycle, for it is considered as child endangerment.”
Facebook user Sting Ferrer also opined: “Looking for options and solutions is a good idea and create an exemption to this safety law during rush hours on school days only.”
To read more interesting exchanges, like or post your own comments on the Facebook page of Cebu Daily News.