A ranking official of the Highway Patrol Group in Nueva Ecija (HPG-NE) on Thursday appealed to motorists to abide by the traffic laws to avoid problems as the office gave away free helmets to at least 30 indigent riders.

Capt. Lester Zafra, provincial officer of HPG-NE, said they started giving away helmets as they stepped-up their law enforcement drive along the national highway in Barangay La Fuente, Santa Rosa on Wednesday.

“Kung makikita natin ang datos ay napakalaki ng panganib at kapahamakan sa mga motorista na naaksidente na walang helmet (If we look at the data, there is a big risk and danger for motorists who have had accident without helmet,” Zafra said in an interview.

He noted a high fatality rate among riders who were not wearing the head protective gear.

Jose Cervantes, an agricultural worker from Santa Rosa town, readily admitted guilt when flagged down by operatives for not wearing helmet while riding his motorcycle.

“Namumursiyentuhan lang po ako sa bukid at kapos sa pera kaya hindi pa makabili ng helmet (I’m just working in a farm being paid a percentage rate and I am short of money so I can’t buy a helmet yet),” he said.

Cervantes was thankful when Zafra handed him a brand- new helmet with a reminder to wear it every time he rides his motorcycle.

“Kahit po sa bukid kayo pupunta ay dapat lagi kayong naka-helmet pag nagmamaneho ng motorsiklo para sa inyong kaligtasan (Even if you go to the farm, you should always wear a helmet when driving a motorcycle for your safety),” the HPG official said.

Zafra said the distribution of free helmets that were donated by some kind-hearted individuals aims to emphasize the importance of the gear for safe motoring.

It also aims to support the needy amid the battle against coronavirus disease (Covid-19), he said.

Zafra, however, said they would only give free helmet to those who are incapable of buying one. (PNA)