On helmet leniency

READER'S RESPONSE

                In line with the San Carlos City Police Office (SCCPO) on the imposition of protective helmets for motorcycle riders, it is obvious and reasonable that such is good, considering it as a safety measure.  On the other hand, it could not be denied that others would use it in commiting hold-ups, robberies and other related crimes.  SCCPO chief P/supt. Harold Tuzon is right that motorcycle riders coming from nearby towns who are using full head helmets are advised to open the helmet’s part where one's face is shown.

                This manifestation is, say, on the balancing situation.  This is on the verge of a dilemma really between good and evil.  However, it is a concept between the have and the have-nots.  I said this, because few, if not all could afford to buy quality helmets like the bell brand which cost around P4000 to P6000 each where one’s face is obscured.  I had experienced once during the time of EX-L.T.O. Chief Ricardo Dela Victoria when two of us only were on the office of Dela Victoria.  I, for the registration of my Honda motorcycle and with a helmet, and he without helmet, in spite that "wear your helmet" inscription inside the L.T.O. Office.  "Decdec" as fondly called by friends charged him of P500.  He told "Decdec" that he will just come back in the afternoon having no money yet in his pocket.  After that, I don't know if he was able to come back or not.

                Wearing of helmet s as you can see in the streets of San Carlos is almost ignored even in the visibility and full view of traffic enforcers.  Admittedly, if only all will coordinate and cooperate, wearing of helmets in the city proper gives uniformity, more discipline, and nice to look at especially in the progressive city of San Carlos.

                Nevertheless, there are still some, no doubt, who are hesitant to wear their helmets especially in going to churches, weddings, or birthdays because the ‘outfit’ would be in a ‘misfit’ while attending these celebrations.  One of my friends said that his hair would be in disarray once he enters the church with the helmet.  Besides, if he’d leave his helmet outside, he is afraid he might lose it with robbers.  With no alternative, instead, some may take the pedicab.

                In my own opinion, there must be certain rules or regulations posted anywhere if possible by the SCCPO on when, where, how to wear these motorcycle helmets.  In this manner, it is the discretion of SCCPO to impose the guidelines, so that the public may be informed from day to day.  Whether these may be put in good use or not, the most important is that no coordination and cooperation is Tantamount to Leniency.

Sent to the NewsRecord office 

on April 10, 2012 

by Domingo L. Nemenzo, Jr.