The pain of living in a Nanny State...another congressman wants to decide what is good for us...

[h3lios]

http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=3445

Solon wants motorcycle drivers to wear retro-reflective vest while driving
12 June 2009 11:20:14 AM
Writer: Lorelei Castillo, MRS-PRIB

Motorcycle and bicycle drivers and back riders may soon be required to wear retro-reflective vest gear while driving to increase their visibility and prevent accidents especially during night time.

Rep. Datu Pax S. Mangudadatu (1st District, Sultan Kudarat) has filed House Bill 6338, which seeks to promote road safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.

"Retro-reflective vest gears have high visibility colors and retro-reflective materials that can be worn over the jackets or shirts of riders to increase their visibility to other motorists and pedestrians," Mangudadatu said.

"This is applicable especially during adverse conditions of dark and wet," Mangudadatu added.

Mangudadatu said records from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) showed that from January to September 2008, motorcycles have had the highest fatality accident rate with 108 involved or 28.42% of total fatal accidents followed by cars with a 77 total or 20.26%.

"For non-fatal accidents, motorcycles still have the highest rate with 6,786 or 34.96%," Mangudadatu said.

An American study on motorcycle accidents showed that the primary cause of motorcycle accidents was due to the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic.

Likewise, a similar study conducted in New Zealand agreed with the American study saying that fluorescent clothing may reduce motorcycle injuries and death by 37%.

Under the bill, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and its attached agency, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), shall issue the implementing rules and regulations.

Violators face a fine of not more than P10,000.

Let those who ride decide!

[howlinowl]

(Quote)An American study on motorcycle accidents showed that the primary cause of motorcycle accidents was due to the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic.(/Quote)

I've also read somewhere that the most common accident involving motorcycles is where oncoming traffic fails to notice the biker and turns left in front of the biker. (wish I remembered where I saw it).

So.... if we combine the two.....the primary cause of motorcycle accidents is due to the failure of motorists to detect and recognize ONCOMING motorcycles in traffic, and the motorists TURN LEFT in front of the oncoming motorcyclists.

Since the oncoming biker has a BIG BRIGHT LIGHT on the front of his bike, and the motorists still turns in front of them, I don't see what difference a bit of reflective material on the jacket is going to do.

I'm sure everyone here has had one of those white knuckle moments.....where the oncoming car turns in front of you and you brake and swerve to save your own ass.

Most of the time, it's not the motorist doesn't see you coming, they are either poor at judging the speed and distance the bike is coming, or they are too impatient to wait until the bike passes and figures they can dart across in time or that you can and will brake for them.

I believe more education of drivers would be more beneficial than a bit of reflective material.

[Geronimo]

I agree with you Allan, most specially here in the Philippines, where the smaller displacements bikes (underbones) are being classified as second class citizens in every roads and highways, as far as four wheeled vehicles are concerned. Yes, more educational programs/seminars to all motorists (drivers and riders) is needed and appropriate laws should be strictly implemented by proper authorities.
Furthermore, road courtesy and discipline plays a lot more in decreasing the percentage of bike against four wheeled vehicles accidents...

However, I think it is better left to the riders if he wishes or wants to wear a reflective vest while riding his/her bikes, And this is more important and very useful for the rider to cover his back in order for vehicles behind him to see him./...at anytime of the day and most specially at night time riding..

.I am very sure this will help in a way to protect and cover the ass of the rider specially during night time riding...

[H3NR1]

I agree with both of you, brothers. Riding the expressways at night, I really feel that my cruisers breaklamps aren't big or bright enough to warn a car coming from a distance. And with speeds well over 120kph of trucks and busses probably driven by tired drivers, a reflective vest might present a bigger area of warning making me more visible.

Also, for non expressway related accidents, motorcycle AWARENESS and not visibility is the problem. Driver and Rider education has to be set up to inform both kinds of motorists on how to be better aware of each other on the road. My personal experience with underbones cutting in between my car's space cushion from the other car infront, tells me that the rider has no clue that he has just shortened my vehicles breaking distance putting him in grave danger.

Education is key - for both four and two wheeled motorists.