Buckle up, motorists – this time, literally.
In another instance of government belatedly implementing laws, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has announced that it will (finally) strictly implement Republic Act 8750, also known as the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999, as part of its intensified road safety campaign.
LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II has directed regional directors and district office heads to maximize social media and other communication platforms to promote awareness of the mandatory use of seatbelts.
“Our approach will be two-pronged: strict enforcement through our enforcers and coordination with other law enforcement agencies, and a massive information drive to highlight the importance of wearing seat belts,” Mendoza explained.
This initiative is part of the agency’s “Stop Road Crash Program,” which will be aggressively promoted this year.
The LTO also plans to collaborate with local government units and engage citizen groups and community organizations to enhance public safety awareness.
Violations and penalties
The Seat Belts Use Act of 1999, the most violated traffic law in the Philippines, mandates that drivers and front-seat passengers wear seat belts in all private and public vehicles with a running engine.
Penalties include:
● Private vehicles: ₱1,000 for the first offense, ₱2,000 for the second, and ₱5,000 plus a one-week license suspension for the third offense.
● Public utility vehicles: ₱3,000 fine for each violation, applicable to both the driver and operator.
Addressing road accidents
Amid a spike in vehicular accidents, with 577 incidents recorded in the past 11 days, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has called for stricter laws and better enforcement to reduce road crashes.
“Road accidents are preventable with stricter laws and improved enforcement,” Pimentel emphasized.
He has filed Senate Bill No. 1015, seeking to amend Article 365 of Act No. 3815 (The Revised Penal Code), to address reckless driving and promote road safety.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Stricter penalties for traffic violations.
- Enhanced driver education and training programs.
- Improvements in road infrastructure.
- Increased penalties for imprudence and negligence under Article 365 of the RPC.
Pimentel also urged the government to focus on changing the mindset that leads to reckless driving while promoting public awareness of road safety.
“Every life is important. Let’s prioritize safety, obey traffic laws, and become responsible drivers to prevent accidents,” Pimentel concluded.
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