Wednesday, February 23, 2011

House body approves mandatory automatic headlights bill for motorcycles

16 February 2011 09:17:35 AM
Writer: Lorelei V. Castillo, MRS-PRIB
The House Committee on Transportation has approved for plenary debate a measure requiring all motorcycle drivers to turn on headlights while driving to enhance visibility for motorists.

Rep. Roger Gaviola Mercado (Lone District, Southern Leyte), Committee Chairman, said the bill is a proactive and preventive measure given the increasing figure in accidents and mishaps involving motorcycles in the country.

Under House Bill 3375, principally authored by Reps. Mariano Velarde and William Tieng (Party-list, BUHAY), all motorcycle drivers and operators are required to automatically turn on and ride with their headlights on at all hours of the day and night on all roads.

Velarde said by making it mandatory for motorcycle drivers and operators to automatically turn on their headlights, it will be easier to detect approaching motorcycles and increase motorcycle conspicuity and visibility.

"The mandatory headlights on policy will enhance visibility for motorists and can be considered as a low-cost method to reduce crashes and collisions," Velarde said.

The bill mandates motorcycle manufacturers, assemblers and distributors to properly install automatic headlights on system, mechanism or device before its distribution and sale.

All headlights must be of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or a vehicle at any distance of not less than 30.5 meters.

No new motorcycle shall be allowed initial registration and succeeding renewal of registration unless it is equipped with the necessary automatic headlights on system, mechanism or device, the bill provides.
Under the bill, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) shall enforce the implementing guidelines and shall mobilize available resources to ensure the effective implementation of the measure.

Motorists, drivers, owners or operators who fail to ride with headlights on at anytime of the day or night shall be penalized with a fine ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 and suspension of driver's license for one month.
Furthermore, all manufacturers, assemblers, importers and distributors found without a headlight face a fine of not more than P20,000 and suspension of the license to manufacture, assemble, import of distribute for one year. 

http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=4834

Monday, February 21, 2011

HFRC February 20, 2011 Ride Report

HFRC Ride to Tagaytay
February 20, 2011

RIDE REPORT
by coolworld

A ride specially conceptualized for me (coolworld) after I posted in HPI forum that I will be leaving the forum for a reason that I will be selling my Honda Bravo (JASS) due to some problem that I'm currently facing.

Barricade of HPI called me up last February 14 and offered to purchase my beloved JASS and in return I need to join the group for what he mentioned the last ride to be with JASS. The following day, February 15, Ac008 posted a thread for a ride EB on Sunday, Feburuary 20, dedicated for me before I bid farewell to the group, it turns out that a lot of our co-forumer is eager to join the ride which is overwhelming since the group just had their ride last Febuary 12.

Anyways, as the the date of the ride is nearing, we are already counting up to more than 10 riders who will be joining the said ride. Post for the specific thread immeadietly grows to more than 5 pages wherein co-forumers are asking for the meeting place and who's who will be meeting on the specific place. Forumers coming from North of Manila had their meeting place in Shell - Julia Vargas at around 5:30am-6am and will take off at around 6am going to the merge point / meeting place of those South of Manila, Shell-Quirino Ave. near Alabang-Zapote road at around 7am. Ride reminders were also posted in the thread.

February 20 came and everybody was set. Boss Warren, called and texted me that they are already on their way to the merge point at the same time Boss Erick29/30 called me that they are already in the meet up place. Made last preparation with JASS and suited up. Meet with Erick29/30 and waited for those coming from the north.

At around 7:15am, those coming from the north arrived at the merge point. Everyone greeted each other and briefly introduce themselves. To not waste time introducing each other, we immediately arrange ourselves in an order that we need to follow until we arrive at our destination. Again, reminders were given to all riders so as to make the ride enjoyable and free from any accidents.

When the group take off from Shell Quirino, the group traverse Aguinaldo HIghway going to Tagaytay, the much direct and easy way for the group to ride going to Tagaytay. When the group reach Anabu Coastal, the group momentarily stop to let Whiteknight join. After 3-5mins, the group proceed with the ride.

The group maintained a cruising speed of 60-80kph to let those who are first timer in joining a ride enjoy both the scenery and the ride itself. It took the group at least an hour to reach Tagaytay Rotonda but encountered a slight problem since boss rinestine Dash suddenly went dead, he was able to recover from the suddent engine stop but he and boss joey went straight to Petron going to Mahogany market. Since boss barricade was group sweeper, he did try to look for the 2 but eventually going to the wrong way. After almost 30mins of searching for the 3 riders, they were able to join the group.

Those who are waiting for the 3 riders to return was able to have an ample time to have a picture taking session and at the same time have their snack courtesy of Mam Anna, who brought almost her house, hehehehehehehehehe. Riders enjoyed eating pandesal along with a hot coffee. Thanks Mam Anna sa uulitin......hehehehehehehehehe.

After resting and having their snack, the group then decide to proceed to Picnic Groove to have the meeting and have their lunch. Entrance fee in Picnic Groove cost Php 50.00 (parking and entrance) and the picnic table cost Php 100.00 each.

After find a spot, the group then immediately discuss the new HFRC. Topic was discussed were, the group mission, vision, membership, board of trustees and dues. At this point, let me thank all who join the ride for having a positive view on the plan of having HFRC as a solid group complete with officers and guidelines for members. We are just starting this guys, still have a long way to go for this.

From Picnic Groove, the group decided to have their lunch either in Mahogany market or the bulaluhan at the radar. Eventually, the group agree to have it in the radar area since as what boss barricade mentioned, it has a nice view of Taal. After enjoying the bulalo along with the extra rice, salted egg and mango which mam annna brought the group decide to call it a day and proceed home.

The group also drop by at my house to tell me about their plans with JASS, no need to mention it here guys but my family and i want to say thank you very much to all of you.

All in all the ride is very successful, we were able to go home safely to our love ones and everybody enjoyed the ride without any untoward incident.

Till the next ride guys! Ride Safe Always

LIVE. LOVE. RIDE. HFRC.