No danger rider: Road safety tips for motorcycles 

My cousin died in motorcycle accident in 2010; my mom was hit by one while crossing a street a year after. Before that, I was covering the police beat during the graveyard shift, stumbling on stories about corpses on two-wheel drives, at a time when newscasts bragged about accidents as “exclusive” stories.

 

It was thus that I went to the press conference of the “Motorcycle Safety Learn to Ride Program” with reasonable skepticism against riding a motorcycle.   

Now on its second year, the program offers free hands-on lessons of the proper way of riding a motorcycle. It is organized by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Motorcycle Philippines Federation and Suzuki Philippines.

 

In his speech, Transportation Assistant Secretary Ildefonso Patdu Jr. acknowledged the severity of road accidents involving motorcycles.

 

“Motorcycles have become a popular vehicle in the country due to their affordability and mobility,” he said. “With the popularity of this vehicle, we have to institute protective measures to minimize the danger of its riders.”

 

Government records show that of the 11,414 road accidents from January to September 2011, motorcycles figured in 2,788 cases, second to private vehicles which accounted for 5,344 cases.

 

Filipinos are 'untrained' riders

 

For the program's organizers however, motorcycles are tools, similar to guns, which when wielded by the irresponsible could be dangerous. Suzuki Philippines president Satoshi Uchida said that unlike other nationalities, most Filipino motorcycle riders are untrained in how to drive safely. 

 

“They lack training compared to other nationalities. That's why we are doing this program, to guide them and to make the streets safer,” he said. Uchida added that 90 percent of these accidents are caused by human errors.

 

Here are some safety tips in driving a motorcycle:

 

Before driving

 

Lay off the booze: “Kapag naka-inom ka, less 'yung focus mo sa daan,” Suzuki safety riding instructor Noel Villapando said. “Iyan ang number one cause ng mga aksidente sa daan.”

 

“'Yang motor—dalawang gulong lang 'yan,” Motorcycle Philippines Federation director for administration Atoy Sta. Cruz said. “Kapag nakainom ka, nawawala 'yung sense of balance mo.”

 

Don't drive when you're angry: “Kapag mainit ulo natin, hindi tayo makapag-concentrate sa daan at ang isip natin, nandoon sa kaaway natin,” Villapando explained.

 

Don't modify the bike: Sta. Cruz said that there are some motorcycle drivers who convert their 150-cc engine to 250 cc, but do not upgrade its breaks and wheels. “Huwag kayong magco-convert ng basta-basta,” he  said.

 

Wear protective gear at all times: The Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 mandates motorcycle riders—except tricycle riders—to wear “standard protective helmets.” Riders are also required to wear gloves, riding jacket, and riding pants.  

“Pwede rin kayong bumili ng elbow pads and knee pads if you can't afford to buy a riding jacket or riding pants,” Villapando said. 

 

Always make sure your motorcycle is in good condition: Villapando said that  maintenance and checkup of a motorcycle is needed to ensure the safety of its riders.

 

Tips on the road  

Don't showboat: “Huwag kayong magyabang,” Sta. Cruz said. “'Yung mga nagmo-motor, nagka-karerahan kapag nagkakatapatan na sa kalsada – one cause of accident 'yan.”

 

Always be visible to the drivers of larger vehicles: Be aware of the larger vehicle's blind spots. Make sure you could be seen on side mirrors of truck drivers or wear reflectors for 4-wheel vehicles that might not see you.   “Kapag nasa unahan ka ng truck, hindi ka makikita dahil nakatutok sila sa traffic light. Dapat din, hindi ka nasa ilalim ng side mirrors nila para makita ka nila,” Sta. Cruz said.

 

Ride within your skill limits: Villapando advised beginners to avoid driving at a speed that they cannot control. “May magpapatakbo ng mabilis pero hindi naman nila kayang pahintuin,” he said. The recommended rate is 50-60 kph, he added.

 

Always give priority to pedestrians: “Kadalasan ang nag-momotor, kaka-overtake nila sa mga kotseng nakahinto, nabubulaga sila na may tao palang papatawid,” Sta. Cruz said.

 

As for the pedestrians, he advised that they should not cross a street when the motorcycle seems to be traveling fast. “Kapag tingin nila, 100 kph ang takbo ng motor na paparating, huwag na silang tumaawid,” he said.

 

Changing the bad image of motorcycles

 

The Motorcycle Philippines Federation admitted that the rising number of accidents have given motorcycle riders a bad name.

 

“We want to change that. We also want safer streets for our children,” Sta. Cruz said. “Gusto natin na ang mga motorcycle riders ay maging educated na.”

 

He stressed the importance of undergoing refresher driving seminars and how respect on the road, plus the right kind of riding does wonders.  

 

“Kapag ang motor, sinakyan mo ng tama, hindi ka naman mamatay o makakapatay,” he added. —KDM/KG, GMA News

 

For more details on the "Motorcycle Safety Learn to Ride" program, log on to http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com/.