Loboc versus Loay?
Nowadays, a lot of motorcycle riders do not care to use a helmet. The reasons are simple, and understandable too.
Many riders feel they look silly when they wear a helmet.
Some say the helmet is hot, sweaty to the head, bulky and terribly uncomfortable. More so when one only travels short distances, like traveling inside the city proper.
Others say the helmet, meaning those that passed basic safety standards, are expensive. They easily cost more than a thousand bucks.
Moreover, the helmet limits one’s vision and sense of hearing.
And finally, it is preferable to feel the air on one’s head when riding the bike.
These are some of the reasons why some motorcycle riders prefer not to wear helmets or when they do, they use “novelty” helmets or those that are meant only for compliance sake and not really for protection purposes. They are more like toys than protective headgear.
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But records show that a needlessly large number of cyclists are killed or permanently disabled as a result of head injuries received from a fall or during a crash.
Regrettably, many of these head injuries could have been prevented or their severity reduced through the use of a helmet.
Helmets are designed to protect the brain and the skull during an impact
Using a helmet will protect the brain and neck during a crash more effectively than not using any helmet at all.
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There are good reasons for using a helmet.
One hopes he never has to “use” his helmet, just like he hopes he won't ever need to “use” the seatbelt in his car. But crashes do happen. We can't predict when or what kind they will be.
In any given year, a lot of people make good use of seatbelts, and a lot of riders give thanks that they were wearing helmets.
Second, a good helmet makes riding a motorcycle more fun, due to
the comfort factor.
It cuts down on wind noise roaring by your ears; on windblast on your face and eyes, and deflects bugs and other objects flying through the air (try experiencing the feeling when the mosquito decides to do a kamikaze and gets inside the eyes while you are driving your motorcycle at night and you will understand why using the helmet is good).
It even contributes to comfort from changing weather conditions and reduces rider fatigue. With a helmet on, the rider need not stop at a waiting shed beside the road, he can go on despite of the rain.
Third, wearing a helmet shows that motorcyclists are responsible people; that they take themselves and motorcycling seriously.
Wearing a helmet, no matter what the law says, is a projection of one’s attitude toward riding.
And that attitude is plain to see by other riders and non-riders alike.
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Actually, it’s not enough to use a helmet while riding the bike. What is important is that the helmet must be properly worn.
The retention system of the helmet, or chin strap, is very important. It is the one piece that keeps the helmet on your head in a crash. A strap is connected to each side of the shell.
Every time one puts the helmet on, he must fasten the strap securely. It doesn’t take long to fix it.
To ride without the helmet secured on the head would be as questionable as driving without the seatbelt fastened.
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I cannot understand why the LTO is lenient on the kind of helmet to be worn by motorcycle riders. This is terribly wrong.
If the LTO wants to promote basic safety among motorists, it should require the use of helmets that passed safety standards.
The LTO should prescribe the use of crash helmets only.
“Novelty” helmets like hardhats, bicycle helmets or baseball helmets should not be allowed for motorcycle riders and back riders.
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I hope this is not true.
Somebody told me there is an on-going “friction” between local officials of Loboc and Loay. Actually, more on the side of Loay, than Loboc.
And the point of controversy is the extremely popular Loboc River Cruise.
The river snakes through Loboc then winds up below
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The usual route for a “longer” (and more expensive) river cruise starts in Loboc then culminates just before reaching
Under this arrangement, it is possible for both Loboc and Loay to make money out of this popular tourism venture. Fees can be collected from the port of origin (Loboc) and the port of destination (Loay). Or vice versa.
This way, both LGUs will be happy.
So what’s the problem?
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Right now, there is no problem with the Loboc LGU.
They have the necessary ordinance and the municipal government is collecting quite nicely from the mob of tourists who enjoy the nature trip.
Those who are engaged in the cruise business are required to secure the necessary business and mayor’s permits. They are also required to secure permit from the MARINA and the Coast Guard.
The situation is different in Loay.
For one, there is reportedly no ordinance governing or regulating the river cruise business.
Because of this, there is no legal basis to collect any fees from the cruise operators or even from tourists disembarking below the
This is the reason why some Loay officials are not happy. They are left with an empty bag.
They are not able to cash in on the booming river cruise business.
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There are unconfirmed reports that at one time, Loay officials apprehended and later imposed an administrative fine of P5,000 against a “balsa” operator from Loboc for illegally entering Loay.
The money was collected without issuing an official receipt, my source said.
When the “erring” operator checked the records, he found out that there is no ordinance regulating or authorizing the collection of fines.
Which means the collection was illegal.
And which could subject the Loay official concerned not only to administrative but also to criminal liability.
Well, I just hope the local opposition would not learn about this, assuming that this story is true.
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Is the problem facing Loay insurmountable?
Of course not.
It’s just a question of coordination – for the Sangguniang Bayan of Loay to pass the necessary ordinance and for the Office of the Mayor to implement the ordinance.
The
If they cannot put their acts together, they will end up as mere spectators to the very lucrative river cruise business.
More when we return, stay tuned for more. Comments, suggestions, write to salvadiputado@yahoo.com
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