LTO ready to enforce law against distracted driving

THE regional Land Transportation Office (LTO-7) said it is ready along with the police to enforce Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA) as it takes effect tomorrow, July 6.

“Our office reminded the traffic enforcers and all agencies involved in traffic control to enforce the Anti-Distracted Driving Act in order to discipline the motorists and the public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers,” LTO Regional Director Alita Pulga said.

A revised set of guidelines and regulations was released last June 9 following a series of meetings among the LTO, Department of Transportation and other stakeholders.

Based on the law, texting and making calls while driving remain prohibited, except for emergency purposes. Playing games, watching videos and using apps in mobile devices are also prohibited.

Pulga said, while the display of rosaries and other accessories is allowed, all accessories and gadgets shall be placed below the four-inch “safe zone” in order to allow unimpeded view of the road by the motorist.

“There should never be any interference on the line of sight of drivers to avoid accidents,” Pulga said. The use of earphones is also allowed since it frees the motorists from holding their device.

“ADDA is aimed at requiring the drivers to focus on their driving. Their two hands must be on the steering wheel, not on their phones,” Pulga said.

Using navigation applications on mobile phones is also allowed as long as they are set before driving and the gadget is placed within the four-inch ‘safe zone’.

Violators will be fined P5,000 to P20,000 or run the risk of having their licenses revoked.