MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Starting August 1, drivers of two- and three-wheel vehicles, including golf carts, will be required to wear high-visibility reflective vests or brightly colored garments when traveling on Pangasinan roads between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Motorcycle passengers are also mandated to wear reflective vests, as stipulated by Provincial Ordinance No. 325-2024, approved on July 1 and published in local newspapers for two weeks.

The ordinance specifies that if a motorcycle rider or passenger has a backpack or rear top box that obstructs the visibility of their vests or garments, reflective materials should be attached to these items as well.

These reflective vests or luminous garments are intended to enhance visibility for other motorists during nighttime.

Violators will receive a warning for their first offense, but subsequent offenses will incur fines of PHP1,000 for a second offense, PHP2,000 for a third offense, and PHP5,000 or imprisonment for up to one year at the court’s discretion for a fourth offense.

Capt. Renan dela Cruz of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office mentioned in a phone interview that police, village, and traffic officers are assigned to enforce the ordinance. “We have dedicated personnel to implement the ordinance, but for now, we need to inform all riders first,” he said. “This measure aims to prevent accidents and ensure overall safety for motorists.”

From January 1 to June 30 this year, Pangasinan police recorded 853 road accidents, with 387 resulting in physical injuries, 108 in fatalities, and 358 in property damage. In comparison, during the same period in 2023, there were 1,159 accidents, 502 of which caused injuries, 97 resulted in deaths, and 560 in property damage.

Dela Cruz noted that a significant portion of these accidents involved motorcycle and tricycle riders. “We urge motorists to comply with the ordinance to avoid penalties and ensure their safety,” Dela Cruz added. (PNA)