SP passes resolution calling for drunk driving law enforcement

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

According to a Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) report, based on recent data, the fifth highest cause of death in Negros Occidental is car accidents.

In a radio report yesterday morning, CLMMRH saw around 727 vehicular accident patients in 2017, with 25 percent dying while receiving medical attention.

The report also noted an increase in the number of patients in the first quarter of 2018.

In response, CLMMRH head, Dr. Julius Drilon, advised motorists to exercise caution while driving, especially motorcyclists.

Following the results of the report, the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed a resolution last Wednesday calling for the enforcement of RA 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

The legislation, penned by City Councilor Caesar Distrito, called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office, and the Bacolod City Police Office to enforce the said law.

The resolution also cited the recent vehicular accident that occurred in Barangay Villamonte between a reportedly drunk driver and a tricycle that left three people dead.

However, following the incident, the LTO said they are unable to enforce RA 10586 as the region currently lacks breathalyzers, which are used to measure the blood-alcohol level of motorists./DGB, WDJ