The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has taken a significant step towards improving road safety by announcing the commencement of free motorcycle driving lessons.
The MMDA revealed this in a Facebook post. According to the post, the department will launch its Motorcycle Riding Academy on September 27 with the goal of giving motorcyclists formal instruction in both the theoretical and practical facets of motorcycle riding as well as fundamental emergency response instruction.
This initiative is a welcome move that aims to enhance the riding skills of motorcycle enthusiasts, reduce road accidents, and promote responsible driving. Motorcycles have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in metropolitan areas like Manila due to their affordability and efficiency in navigating through traffic.
However, this popularity has also led to a rise in motorcycle-related accidents and fatalities. In many cases, lack of proper training and skills among riders contributes significantly to these accidents. This is where the significance of motorcycle driving lessons becomes evident.
Motorcycle driving lessons provide novice riders with essential skills and knowledge required to operate their vehicles safely. These lessons cover topics such as proper braking techniques, maneuvering through traffic, and defensive driving strategies. They equip riders with the ability to make quick decisions and react appropriately in emergency situations, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents.
Beyond teaching riding skills, these lessons emphasize the importance of road safety. Riders learn to respect traffic rules and regulations, understand the significance of wearing protective gear, and develop an awareness of potential hazards on the road. This heightened awareness is essential for creating a culture of responsible riding.
One of the most significant benefits of offering free motorcycle driving lessons is the potential to reduce accidents and fatalities. By equipping riders with the skills and knowledge to navigate challenging road conditions safely, the initiative can contribute to a decrease in motorcycle-related accidents, ultimately saving lives.
Following successful completion of the two-day training, participants will get a certificate. 100 people can attend the academy in one batch. The MMDA will provide the motorcycles and the gasoline, so participants simply need to bring their own helmets and personal safety gear. The course's enrollment procedure has not yet been made public.
The MMDA announced in June that the academy's facilities would be in Pasig, on Meralco Avenue. Classrooms will be housed in container vans that were once utilized as COVID-19 quarantine facilities. Additionally, there will be dining areas, comfort rooms, and showers.
The academy's trainers will be MMDA personnel. Additionally, they are in contact with the ride-hailing companies to provide course graduates preference in hiring as well as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the accreditation of a motorcycle riding course.
According to the agency, Sen. Sonny Angara contributed 10 motorcycles to the training. In August, 20 units were also supplied by a motorbike ride-hailing service as well as raincoats and tents.
According to a 2018 MMDA data, motorcycle riders accounted for 38%, or 224 deaths out of 590, in road crash fatalities. In 2020 there were 253 fatalities, and 295 in 2021.
In contrast, the World Health Organization ranked the Philippines 11th out of 175 nations in terms of reported road traffic deaths, with 10,012. 4.7% of this number are two- or three-wheeler drivers or passengers.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's decision to offer free motorcycle driving lessons, beginning on September 27, is a commendable step towards promoting road safety and responsible riding. This initiative addresses a critical need in metropolitan areas where motorcycles are a common mode of transportation.
By enhancing riding skills, raising road safety awareness, and ultimately reducing accidents, the MMDA's effort will contribute to safer roads and a more responsible road culture. It is a reminder that proactive measures and community-focused initiatives can play a pivotal role in improving road safety and saving lives.
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