Merrymaking is in full swing with only days to go before Christmas Day, but the party shouldn’t extend to the driver’s seat. That’s what the Philippine National Police (PNP) wants to remind the public, as it commits to help catch drunk drivers.
The PNP, MMDA, and LTO want you to avoid taking the wheel while drunk
The PNP issued the statement Tuesday, pledging to assist the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in making sure that motorists stay sober while driving.
“The PNP is maximizing efforts to further reduce Public Safety Indicators of Total Crime Incidents by initiating measures to reduce vehicular accidents that may result in homicide, physical injury, and damage to property,” said PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr.
Data from the MMDA show that 188 drunk driving incidents occured between January and August 2022
Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 penalizes motorists who operate their vehicles under the influence of either alcohol or illegal narcotics. Law enforcement agents are authorized to conduct sobriety or confirmatory tests on drivers suspected to have taken dangerous substances.
Those found driving while drunk or drugged face a penalty of up to Php 500,000 and a maximum jail term of 20 years, for incidents that result in homicide. Moreover, non-professional drivers will have their licenses confiscated and suspended for 12 months for the first offense, and permanently revoked for the second offense. Professional drivers will have their licenses revoked outright on the first offense.
Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol can get your license permanently revoked
As of September 2022, the LTO has recorded 188 instances of drunk driving, which have resulted in 16 deaths. Out of 407 road crash incidents in Metro Manila documented between January and August 2022, at least 385 motorists tested positive for drug use.
LTO Special Legal Assistant to the Assistant Secretary Atty. Alex Abaton cites MMDA data in saying that incidents of drunk and drugged driving typically occur between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
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