Rider in trouble for allowing kid to ride motorcycle, and without a helmet on
photo: LTO
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) advised parents not to allow toddlers and young children to back ride a motorcycle, saying it is too dangerous in cases of motorcycle crashes.
And LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II made sure that his message will be heard as he approved the issuance of a show cause order against a registered motorcycle owner which was seen in a viral photo with two back riders, including a child with no helmet.
Mendoza said he was dismayed with what he described as irresponsibility of some people that compromises the safety of what appears to be family members, especially a child.
“The motorcycle was travelling along a busy road and while the rider and one of the two back riders had helmets, the child who was sitting in the middle had no helmet or any protective gear,” said Mendoza.
The LTO social media team monitored the viral post and the agency identified the registered owner based on the information obtained from the photo.
In the SCO, the registered owner from Sta. Rosa, Laguna was informed that the motorcycle was already placed under alarm and that he must explain in writing why he should not be penalized, as it is assumed that he was the one riding the motorcycle.
He faces administrative charges of Carrying More Passengers Other Than the Back Rider, for Failure to Require the Back Rider to Wear a Standard Protective Helmet and being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.
“In the spirit of due process, we already summoned the registered owner of the motorcycle for him to explain whether or not he was the one driving the motorcycle and if it was him, to explain why he should not be penalized,” said Mendoza.
Once the identity of the rider is established, Mendoza said the 90-day preventive suspension on his driver’s license will immediately take effect.
“Failure to appear and submit the written comment/explanation as required shall be construed by this Office as a waiver of your right to be heard, and the case shall be decided based on the evidence at hand,” the SCO stated.