Manila, Philippines (CNN) — The Philippines is banning motorcycle helmets in an attempt to stop people from riding while drunk, a law enforcement official said Friday.
The police chief of Manila said the move is aimed at keeping drivers sober.
The law was passed on Friday after a public outcry over the deadly accident of a Filipino couple in September, in which their two young daughters were killed when a motorcycle plunged into the side of their SUV.
The two-month ban applies to all motorcycle helmets, with a maximum fine of P6,500 (about $100) for a first offense.
The government said it would issue fines of up to P2,500 for first offenses and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.
It was the latest move to combat a deadly cocktail of drugs, alcohol and alcohol-related injuries among Filipinos.
In October, an 18-year-old man killed himself after he crashed into a car after drinking alcohol and taking a Xanax prescription.
Two people have died and at least 15 others have been hospitalized in connection with the crash, the city’s emergency management agency said.