LTO nabs 16 distracted drivers in Cebu

Land Transportation Office personnel seen apprehending violators in this July 6 file photo. Motorists are prohibited from using phones while driving. (CDN FILE PHOTO)

ABOUT 16 motorists in Cebu were apprehended for violating the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (Adda) since the law took effect last July 6.

Joel Maloloy-on, operations chief of the regional Land Transportation Office (LTO-7), said most of the apprehended motorists were motorcycle drivers.

“Mas dali kaayo ma-identify ang motor compared to cars kay tinted (It’s easier to identify violators using motorcycles compared to car drivers whose vehicles have tinted windows),” Maloloy-on said.

Tinted windows were among the challenges faced by LTO-7 in enforcing the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.

“We need to have evidence and see that he is using a phone while driving,” Maloloy-on said.

The first two violators of the law, one riding an L300 van and a car, were apprehended along Natalio Bacalso Avenue after they were seen holding their phones while driving.

Lee Everett Chuan, acting chief of the LTO-7, said local governments should help their agency in enforcing the law.

Under Republic Act 10913 or the “Anti-Distracted Driving Act” (Adda), drivers are prohibited from making or taking calls, browsing the internet, watching videos, playing games and sending text messages while on the road.

First-time violators are fined P5,000; second-time violators are fined P10,000; and third-time offenders are fined P15,000 and their license suspended.

Fourth-time violators are fined P20,000 and his or her license is revoked.

Maloloy-on said he hopes the LTO will address the problem of tinted windows in cars.

He also called on motorists to follow the law to ensure road safety for everyone./Correspondent Michelle Joy L. Padayhag