RICHARD A. REYES
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday ordered the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to sanction drivers who fail to stop at railroad crossings after a Philippine National Railways (PNR) train collided with a van in Calamba, Laguna province.
The accident left the van driver and two toddlers injured.
In a statement, Transport Undersecretary for Roads Mark de Leon said the DOTr had already directed the LTO to establish preventive measures for vehicles passing through PNR operating lines.
Under Section 42(d) of Republic Act No. 4136, drivers must bring their vehicle to a full stop before crossing rail tracks although there are currently no penalties against violators.
In the Sept. 3 accident, the van tried to beat the red light at the Parian crossing in Calamba but was struck by the PNR train.
The van then rammed into three houses and a parked tricycle, the DOTr said. —Krixia Subingsubing