LTO, MMDA fielding more enforcers vs drunk driving

With only 150 alcohol breath analyzers spread across all regional offices, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Edgar Galvante on Thursday said the agency would prioritize the procurement of 330 more before the year ends for a stricter enforcement of the anti-drunk and drugged driving law.

The Philippines was given a dismal rating of 1 over 10 by the World Health Organization in the enforcement of the drunk-driving law. The lack of breathalyzers and of trained enforcers were some of the problems cited in the 2015 Global Status Report on Road Safety.

The LTO on Thursday deputized 50 traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the first batch of the target 500 personnel, as the two agencies forged a partnership to ensure the law’s enforcement in the capital.

The implementing rules and regulation of Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Law of 2013, was issued in 2015. The law designates the LTO is its lead enforcer.

Surge in road accidents

MMDA general manager Tim Orbos said road accidents increase by 20 percent during the Christmas season and “that’s what we want to prevent.”

An average of 262 road crashes per day was recorded in 2015 in Metro Manila.

Enforcers can flag down vehicles when there is probable cause that the driver is under the influence of alcohol. Among the signs are lane straddling, speeding or swerving.

The driver would then be subjected to a field sobriety test involving one-leg stand, walk-and-turn, and eye tests. If the driver fails these tests, his blood alcohol content would be determined on-site using the breathalyzer.

Penalties include a fine of P20,000 to P80,000, imprisonment, impounding of the vehicle, and suspension of the driver’s license.