MMDA, LTO start breath tests vs drunk driving March 12

To assist the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in enforcing the law against drunk driving, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deputize 92 traffic marshals for the task starting March 12, the same day the LTO would start using breath analyzer tests on motorists suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said the agency would be assisting the LTO in enforcing Republic Act No. 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

“We need to have a lot of people in enforcing this law because the LTO and MMDA personnel alone may not be sufficient as it will be done nationwide,” Tolentino explained.

The MMDA chair suggested that local government units should also help the LTO in enforcing the law, noting that they also have funds for purchasing breath analyzers to be used in their respective areas.

The MMDA personnel to be tapped for this purpose would first undergo training, he said.

The MMDA noted that most vehicular accidents in Metro Manila happen from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tolentino said this is the period where many motorists are coming home from parties or late-night gatherings where alcohol is served.

The LTO earlier said a motorist using a private vehicle and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol would have his or her license suspended for 12 months. Drivers of public utility vehicles committing the same offense will have their licenses revoked.

Breath analyzers will be used only if the driver fails “field sobriety tests” in which he or she will be asked to stand on one foot without losing balance, walk on a straight line and follow a moving object with ones’ eyes.

Under the antidrunk driving law, a driver found in violation faces fines from P20,000 to P80,000. If the driving led to an accident that resulted in injuries, the fines go higher at P100,000 to P200,000. Maricar B. Brizuela