THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has warned motorists from using gadgets that could distract them when driving as the law imposing penalties on this would take effect on Thursday, May 18.
According to DOTr, Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving (ADD) Law would be effective 15 days after the publication of its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
"Distracted driving" is the performance by motorists of any acts on the usage of their mobile communication devices, electronic entertainment and computing gadgets or devices while vehicles are in motion or temporarily stopped on a traffic light or an intersection. A motorist, as defined under this law, is a person who is driving a motor vehicle.
Such prohibited acts made while driving include but not limited to: making or receiving calls, writing, sending or reading text-based communications, playing games, watching movies, performing calculations, reading e-books, composing messages, and surfing or browsing the internet.
Motorists, however, are allowed to apply hands-free function or applications in the use of such devices or gadgets so long as these do not interfere with their line of sight.
"This new law is a preventive measure to avoid or lessen accidents and injuries from happening while promoting road safety and responsible driving among our motorists," DOTr said.
Aside from public and private vehicles, the law also covers wheeled agricultural machineries, construction equipment, and other forms of conveyances such as bicycles, pedicabs, trolleys, "habal-habal", "kuligligs", wagons, carriages, and carts that may either be, human-powered or pulled by an animal, as long as the same are operated or driven in public thoroughfares, highways or streets.
This law takes exemption when motorists use their mobile phones in making or taking an emergency call from/to: a law enforcement agent/agency to report a crime or prohibited act, accident, natural calamity, bomb threat, terrorist activities and the like; a government or non-government medical or health care provider on emergency and rescue situations; or to a fire department in cases of fire or explosion.
DOTr said violators will be penalized with a fine of P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense, and P15,000 for the third offense with a three-month suspension of driver’s license. Violations incurred beyond the third offense shall be penalized with the revocation of driver’s license and a fine of P20,000.
Owners and operators of Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) and commercial vehicles found in violation of the said Act shall both be held liable.
The DOTr-Land Transportation Office (LTO) is the lead implementing agency of the Act.
The LTO also has the authority to deputize members of the Philippine National Police, Metro Manila Development Authority and local government units to carry out enforcement functions and duties. (SDR/SunStar Philippines)