LTO Monitoring Reckless Drivers

The Land Transportation Office has mobilized more than 1,700 traffic enforcers across the country for Holy Week to monitor major roads and take action against reckless driving, including road racing.

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

According to LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II, the deployment, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies, aims to enhance road safety during the peak travel season.

"All our enforcers are deployed in major thoroughfares to at least serve as a deterrent against reckless driving. This is part of the instruction of our DOTr (Department of Transportation) Secretary Vince Dizon since the presence alone of uniformed LTO personnel will compel errant drivers to behave," Mendoza said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum yesterday.

The LTO has also given special instructions to its personnel to monitor and document incidents of reckless driving throughout the Holy Week, extending their operations until travelers return after the long weekend.

Mendoza noted recent measures by the agency, including legal action against drivers involved in highprofile cases, such as a bus crash on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and another incident involving a viral video of a speeding passenger bus.

He also indicated his plan to propose increased penalties and push for a dedicated "special law" that would criminalize road rage-related incidents, citing the growing number of reported cases.

"If road rage can be criminalized under a special law then criminal intent will no longer be a defense," the LTO chief said.

Further, he encouraged netizens to report dangerous drivers, assuring that a dedicated social media monitoring team would handle all tips confidentially. The public can do so via LTO's "AksyON THE SPOT" hotline at 0929-292-0865.

Zipper lanes