By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The local office of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Bacolod said they will start implementing the Anti-Distracted Driving Act and Children’s Safety On Motorcycles Act of 2015 on Monday, 22 May 2017.
LTO-Bacolod head Renato Novero said RA 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act was passed by Congress to promote road safety.
Under the measure, drivers are prohibited from using communication devices and other electronic, entertainment and computing gadgets while driving or even while waiting for the traffic light to go green or while on a temporary stop at an intersection. These devices range from mobile phones to portable television sets and even dashboard cameras.
Meanwhile, another driving law, RA 10666 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015, took effect yesterday morning.
The legislative act makes it illegal to operate a two-wheeled motorcycle on public roads if a child is on board, specifically during heavy traffic when fast moving vehicles are aplenty, or in areas where a speed limit of more than 60 kph is imposed.
Several exceptions were introduced as well, in which the child’s feet can comfortably reach the motorcycle’s foot peg for the pillion rider, the child’s arms can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider, and the child is wearing a standard protective helmet.
Children being rushed to a medical facility are, however, exempted from the law.
Despite the shortage in personnel, Novero said they will still implement the new laws and will submit an accomplishment report to the central office in Manila.
Those who violate the newly set laws will have their licenses confiscated and will only be released to them after paying the required fines.
Meanwhile, Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) head Police Supt. Luisito Acebuche said RA 10666 is also similar to City Ordinance (CO) No. 469, which prohibits small children from riding motorcycles.
Acebuche said they are also apprehending those who violate the said ordinance, along with those who are breaking the “no helmet, no travel” policy.
He also stated they cannot apprehend those breaking the national law, although they are willing to do so, only if the LTO deputizes their personnel./WDJ