Pangasinan dad proposes reflectorized vest for riders.

A Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) board member has proposed an ordinance, requiring motorcycle riders to wear reflectorized vest when driving around Pangasinan, to deter vehicular accidents involving motorcycles.

Board member Jeremy Agerico Rosario, author of the proposed ordinance, said he offered the measure to curb the number of motorcycle accidents, and this is already being implemented in La Union province.

'We cannot compromise the safety of our motorists. We saw the prevalence of accidents involving motorcycles while La Union has the same ordinance and it is effective as the motorcycle riders are very visible at night,' Rosario explained in an interview Monday.

The proposed ordinance asked riders of motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, and even bikes, to wear reflectorized vest when riding around the province from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Rosario said the proposed ordinance also indicated penalties for violators.

'PHP1,500 for first offense; PHP2,500 second offense and PHP5,000 for third offense and possible imprisonment, but subject to the deliberation and discretion of the court,' he said.

A series of committee hearings will be held with Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, motorcycle groups, and other stakeholders in connection with the proposed ordinance.

'As of Monday, it was referred to the Committees on Transportation, Public Utility and Laws and Ordinances of the SP,' Rosario added.