Philippines – Back-to-school season is here, and yes, it’s the time of the year again when students start preparing for a new school year that means commuting to and from schools.

1. With motorcycles being a prevalent mode of transportation, educating students, parents, and even schools about motorcycle safety are crucial to promoting road safety among Filipinos. That is why, in time for the back-to-school season, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) in extensive partnership with Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha are here to share some essential safety tips to ensure a smooth journey to school.

Remember Philippine motorcycle laws. One thing about Philippine motorcycle laws is there is a lot to remember, yet every single one is strictly implemented. One of which is the Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act of 2015. It is an act that bans “any person from driving the vehicle with a child on board on public roads where there is a heavy volume of vehicles.”

But there are some specifics in this law that every rider should remember. Since some parents use the motorcycle to drop off and pick up their child, the condition is the child should be able to “comfortably reach his/her feet on the standard foot pegs of the motorcycle.” The other clause to note is the child’s arm should be able to reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider. They also should be strong enough to hold onto the driver firmly. Every rider needs to remember these specifics, as the safety and well-being of children should be a top priority.

Invest in proper motorcycle safety gear. Parents should be capable of providing high-quality motorcycle gear for their children. One thing to always prioritize is providing a budget for a durable helmet to protect the child rider from head from injuries. This is also important because it is required by law (Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009) for anyone who will ride a motorcycle.

It also pays to invest in other proper motorcycle gear like gloves, elbow and knee pads, non-slip footwear, and reflective gear such as vests and jackets for visibility, among others.

Learn the proper way to use a Motorcycle. For many, riding a motorcycle may seem as simple as riding a bicycle. However, there is much to learn about the correct techniques, from hopping into it and maintaining the right posture to navigating various road conditions. Members of the MDPPA, including Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, are developing programs that anybody may join to ensure that you receive the required education regarding traffic safety.

Teach children about proper road safety. It helps to introduce them to basic traffic rules and regulations specific to motorcycle riders, such as proper lane usage, signaling, and obeying traffic signs and signals. Instruct them to be responsible passengers by holding onto designated handles or the rider’s waist, keeping their feet on the footrests, and remaining still during the ride. Train children to be observant and alert on the road, identifying potential hazards such as potholes, debris, or other vehicles and communicating these hazards to the rider. Teach them to use designated pedestrian crossings, look both ways before crossing, and wait for a safe gap in traffic when dismounting from the motorcycle and crossing the road as pedestrians.

As the new school year begins, students, parents, and schools need to prioritize motorcycle safety. By familiarizing themselves with Philippine motorcycle laws, investing in proper safety gear, and teaching children about road safety; we can create a safer environment for students traveling on motorcycles.

Continuing its commitment to bring safer roads for Filipino students, MDPPA has been actively engaging students, the faculty members and school administrators with the proper ways on how to ride and maintain motorcycles, along with the relevant road safety regulations by bringing a free Generation Road Safety Seminars to select schools all over the country.

To learn more about the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA), visit its website at http://mdppa.com.ph/ or check its Facebook page.