BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
AKLAN – A motorcyclist in this province made a desperate plea to avoid a traffic ticket by kneeling before a Land Transportation Office (LTO) officer, on Wednesday, November 20.
The incident, caught on video by netizen Rainford Gomez Relator, quickly went viral. It shows the man, who was allegedly caught riding a motorcycle without a standard protective helmet, pleading with the officer in an attempt to escape the penalty.
Despite his efforts, the officer instructed the man to stand up and still issued the violation ticket, adhering to the law.
The video sparked mixed reactions online. While some netizens expressed sympathy for the motorist, others highlighted the importance of following traffic rules for safety. Some even offered to help the man pay for the fine.
Under the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, all motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear standard protective helmets. The law specifies that only full-face and J-type helmets that meet Department of Trade and Industry standards are acceptable.
The LTO emphasized the necessity of this regulation to ensure the safety of all road users. Violators face corresponding penalties, including fines, as outlined by the law./PN
