Cement mixer trucks to have new warning signs after student’s fatal accident

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino

MANILA, Philippines—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued guidelines requiring the drivers and operators of heavy vehicles carrying cement to have signs warning other motorists to keep a safe distance from them.

In a memorandum order dated June 11, the MMDA said the drivers of cement mixer trucks should put the warning sign “Loaded with Concrete — Keep Distance,” replacing the word “cement” in its previous memorandum order signed in April this year.

The MMDA issued the new rule in response to the accident last April when a 21-year-old student was crushed to death by a cement mixer truck.

The new requirement for the owners, operators, and drivers of cement mixer trucks will be effective starting July 1, according to MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino.

“All owners, operators and drivers of cement mixer trucks or cement mixers are required to put and install a permanent visible sign indicating “Loaded With Concrete—Keep Distance” the letters of which should not be less than 15 centimeters in height at the back and both sides of the truck, in addition to other vehicle markings required under applicable laws and regulations,” the memo order reads.

The order states that the sign should have a yellow background and black letters and those caught violating the order will face P500 fine.

Tolentino said the request to change the wording in the sign came from the cement manufacturers and cement mixer operators who said their vehicles should not be compared to those carrying inflammable materials.