Three years ago, The Land Transportation Office implemented the Helmet Law or Helmet Act of 2009 RA 10054 all over the country. This requires all motorcycle riding motorist to wear a helmet when riding their motorcycle on the road.
This was supposed to be a strict rule that all motorists must follow. This law went into specific details as far as the kind of helmet to use when on board the motorcycle. One must have his or her helmet approved for use by the Department of Trade and Industry to insure quality and safety. The penalties were severe for those who failed to follow the law. There were many concerns and complaints after the law was passed like the expensive helmets that the law required and the manner of registration. I can remember a few times when procedures were adjusted just to be able to accommodate these concerns. “What do we say to the Lord of Death? Not today.”
Law enforcement was very strict in the first few days of the implementation of The Helmet Law; checkpoints were in place and apprehensions were made. I myself was under the impression that the government was very serious about this. Motorists started to follow, and you can see them wearing their helmets all the time. However, after a few months, the enthusiasm died down. In Metro Cebu alone, I can see that motorists only wear their helmets in areas like Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Cebu City. However, upon reaching the towns like Consolacion and Lilo-an, you will notice that no one wears their helmets already. This is mainly because these towns and cities do not implement them. Records of motorcycle accidents are growing everyday and many of these are fatal. It is sad that these fatalities can be avoided only if these civilians would have followed a simple law, and have worn their helmets.
Laws are made so we can have a society of order. These laws are intended for the good of the people. Our lawmakers make these laws for a good reason and for the good of everyone. It is a sad fact, however, that sometimes these laws are done in haste failing to cover every single detail that would matter in the long run. A good example to this is The Helmet Law, it failed to plan the enforcement of the law thus we see people wearing their helmets only in areas where the law is enforced. I have been told that the reason why some areas cannot implement them is because of the lack of manpower and capabilities to do so. When we make laws, it should not be limited to areas willing to implement them and exclude those who dont or cant. Laws should include provisions for implementation. There are so many useful laws, but somehow cannot be of use because it is incomplete. It is unfair to the law and the people intended to benefit in them.