529,000 motorists cited in discipline drive – LTO

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 529,578 motorists were apprehended last year as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) intensified the implementation of traffic regulations.

Based on LTO data from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023, the most common violations were smoke-belching, not wearing seatbelts, and overloading.

During the same period, the LTO has impounded a total of 23,615 motor vehicles, a 47-percent increase compared to 2022 figures.

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Based on the guidance of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II directed all regional directors to maintain the visibility of LTO traffic enforcers on the roads to encourage motorists to behave.

The LTO chief earlier warned of a more aggressive campaign against delinquent drivers and unregistered motor vehicles for 2024.

The World Health Organization reported that around 1.3 million people die in road accidents around the world while between 20 million to 50 million are injured, including injuries that result in disability.

In the Philippines, an average of 32 people die every day as a result of road accidents.

—DEXTER CABALZA