From tomorrow, and from a municipal decree, the use of reflective vests by motorcyclists will be mandatory. The objective is to improve the visibility of the drivers but, soon after its effective implementation, the opinions for and against the measure can be seen

 

Ridiculous, annoying and necessary are the adjectives most used by motorcyclists when they consult their opinion about reflective vests. A garment that from tomorrow will be mandatory for all those drivers who circulate on a motorcycle through the capital of Tucumán. The issue has as a background a new municipal ordinance that seeks motorcyclists to acquire greater visibility for the rest of the vehicles and, on the road, avoid road accidents.

 

“For their qualities and color, these reflective clothing will allow motorcycles to be seen from a distance and not take us by surprise. Which is a very common problem and hurts both pedestrians who try to move around the city as the rest of vehicles that circulate in the streets,” said Enrique Romero, Undersecretary of Traffic and Operational Transport of the Municipality.

 

However, although the implementation of the resolution is already a fact, the matter continues to warm up. “You have to stop patching the issue superficially. Wearing a fluorescent reflective vest will not improve the way we drive! In the end, this accessory will end up being like the jacket, you carry it in your hand but never put it on,” Rubén Mena said irritably, while he parked his Honda Biz motorcycle.

 

Helmets, lights, and vests with reflective tape, security measures continue to be added, but even among the motorcyclists themselves, no consensus is reached. “I do not understand why there are drivers who complain. The measure favors us directly and is a solution to the problems of insecurity that we live every day when we ride a motorcycle down the street. If you do not play the horn or you see, the cars are capable of passing you by, “argued Juan Ferro, a motorcycle parking employee located on Córdoba Street.

 

Motorcyclists oppose the mandatory use of vests

 

In this regard, Romero emphasized that -because the controls will continue to be in force and on the rise- the viability of this measure falls again on the conscience of the drivers. “Before only 40% used a helmet but that number increased to 60% thanks to the measures implemented. This is palliative and integral process that is going to have several stages, “said the official.

 

Now, the question is, will this change in our road habits be possible? “The measure only adds requirements to those who have their papers in order, but I feel that it does not provide a solution to reduce infractions. Those who do not invest in checking lights or papers will not buy a vest either. It is road responsibility, it always was and will be like that “, reflects Marcos Elias with his helmet on his head and a fluorescent bag in his hand.

 

What the numbers say

 

If it is about road issues, there are moments when Tucuman becomes a real concrete jungle. In this regard, according to official data provided by the Undersecretary of Traffic and Operational Transport, so far in 2019, 6,375 motorcycles were seized.

 

On the other hand, among the most frequent infractions are parking in prohibited or double-lane zones -with 19,705 fines issued- and traffic talking on cell phones, with 3,678 infractions recorded by the inspectors.