LTO to conduct more terminal inspections, random drug tests on PUV drivers

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will conduct more terminal inspections and random drug tests on public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers to ensure the safety of road users, the agency said.
 
The LTO said this move was in accordance with Republic Act 10856 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, which mandates PUV drivers be subjected to rapid random drug tests and national random terminal inspections.
 
“This is part of the LTO’s objective to ensure the safety of road users, especially the riding public, so they will not become victims of road crash incidents,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
 
“The LTO aims to help avert these incidents by preventing drivers under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs from operating a motor vehicle by confiscating their driver’s license and requiring them to undergo drug rehabilitation.”
 
A total of 558 road crash incidents were recorded from January to August 2022, according to the LTO Law Enforcement Service-Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Enforcement Unit (LES-ADDDEU).

The month of August registered the highest number with 128 incidents, and a total of 476 drivers tested positive for alcohol intoxication.

Seventeen fatalities and 281 injuries were recorded.
 
“Immediately, the LES-ADDDEU placed the driver’s licenses of the drivers involved in these incidents who tested positive for alcoholic intoxication under alarm and preventive suspension for 90 days pending the issuance of an LTO resolution to determine the administrative sanctions and corresponding penalties that will be imposed on the violators,” the LTO said.
 
The LTO reminded the public to avoid drinking if they have plans to drive motor vehicles because it will be dangerous for both the driver and pedestrians.

“Time and again, we have all seen the disastrous consequences brought about by drunk or drugged driving, more importantly during the Yuletide season, [when] many families go out to celebrate and be merry,” LTO chief Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III said.
 
“It is time that we change that mindset in order to avert the loss of life and property.”  — VBL, GMA News