The LTO sounds an alarm on accidents due to drunk driving. Image from INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday said that 15 people nationwide have already died this 2022 alone due to road accidents involving drunk drivers.
“The state of drunk driving in the country continues to reach alarming rates,” the LTO said in a statement.
Data from January to August this year showed that the LTO responded to about 402 road crash incidents, where 353 of the drivers involved tested positive for alcohol intoxication.
These incidents led to 15 deaths and 232 people sustaining physical injuries.
“Sadly, despite the many dangers, many Filipino motor vehicle drivers continue to ignore the dangerous effects on human life and property when driving under the influence of alcohol and chemical substances,” the agency added.
The LTO also reminded the public not to disregard the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
It states that a driver should have no more than 0.05 percent of alcohol in his body during the BAC test to avoid charges of drunk driving. Drivers of trucks, buses, motorcycles, and public utility vehicles, should have 0.0 percent of alcohol in their body after BAC testing is already undeniable proof that the driver is driving under the influence of alcohol.
“Driving and having a driver’s license is not a right but only a privilege that has corresponding responsibilities,” the agency said.