Anti-Distracted Driving Act–Advocacy Group Seeks Clarification, Solons Ask DOTr To Suspend It

With the confusion on what exactly is legal and illegal under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, an advocacy group for passenger safety is reportedly urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to clarify the guidelines on the enforcement of the law to avoid confusing motorists. Anti-Distracted Driving Act According to the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP), while it supports the implementation of the law since it ensures road safety, it wants the agency to clarify why drivers of public and private vehicles must not have religious items, toys, and car accessories on their vehicles' dashboard "It is very clear that the coverage on the law only applies to mobile phones and electronic gadgets," said LCSP President Atty. Ariel Inton in a statement. "We are wondering why rosaries hanging under rear view mirrors or any accessories on dashboards are also prohibited. Does it have any legal basis?" The clarification stems from a radio interview given by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada in which she said that drivers of private and public utility vehicles should clear their dashboards of figurines, toys, and other unauthorized car accessories until May 26. On top of this, Lizada also said that eating, drinking, or putting on makeup even if the vehicle is  temporarily stopped is also banned, with the public official citing the DOTR's 2014 Joint Administrative Order. "There must be a clear legal basis for these regulations," Inton reiterated. "We are worried that traffic enforcers on the ground are not given specific guidelines on the implementation and this might cause misunderstanding. We must not overstretch the coverage of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act." Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, are asking the DOTr to temporarily suspend the implementation of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act until the agency has clarified the law's Implementing Rules and Regulation. According to Ejercito, vice chair of the Committee on Public Services, mobile phones should be permitted when used for navigational purposes to aid motorists from steering clear of heavy traffic. "It is counter-intuitive when using Waze or other navigation apps since the use of cellphone is less dangerous if it is within the line of sight," Ejercito noted. "Every second that the driver's eyes are on the road counts." As such, Ejercito is urging the DOTr to reconsider the provisions regarding the placement of smartphone within the driver's line of sight. "We rarely hear of road accidents that result from the use of navigational apps. Definitely, texting and tinkering with a mobile phone while driving is a no-no. But when it is used as a navigational aid and it is properly placed, it is okay. Senate Majority Leader Sotto echoed Ejercito's sentiments, saying that the numerous complaints on placing items on the dashboard that block the driver's view of the road is reason enough for the law to be reevaluated. "It should be suspended while it is being reevaluated," Sotto noted. "There are too many complaints."

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • 'New' Isuzu mu-X to enter PH market this week
    'New' Isuzu mu-X to enter PH market this week
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Kia PH holds 1st DOYA
    Kia PH holds 1st DOYA
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Set your road trips on these dates this Apr.
    Set your road trips on these dates this Apr.
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 31, 2025
  • Zigwheels PH's March 2025 wrap-up
    Zigwheels PH's March 2025 wrap-up
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 31, 2025
  • Porsche Macan Turbo, Taycan Turbo GT star in short film alongside David Guetta
    Porsche Macan Turbo, Taycan Turbo GT star in short film alongside David Guetta
    Paulo Papa . Mar 31, 2025
  • Here’s a close look inside the BYD Shark 6 DMO
    Here’s a close look inside the BYD Shark 6 DMO
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 25, 2025
  • Ford ‘Raptor’ trucks, SUV showcased in Dubai dunes
    Ford ‘Raptor’ trucks, SUV showcased in Dubai dunes
    Paulo Papa . Mar 21, 2025
  • Here are the BYD Shark 6 DMO's 3 available colors in PH
    Here are the BYD Shark 6 DMO's 3 available colors in PH
    Paulo Papa . Mar 18, 2025
  • Women celebrities and their cars
    Women celebrities and their cars
    Paulo Papa . Mar 17, 2025
  • 5 reasons that make the Nissan Z NISMO an exciting coupe
    5 reasons that make the Nissan Z NISMO an exciting coupe
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 17, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
    Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
    Paulo Papa . Mar 06, 2025
  • Loving your car 101: how to protect your car’s interior
    Loving your car 101: how to protect your car’s interior
    Paulo Papa . Feb 17, 2025
  • Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
    Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 27, 2025
  • First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
    First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
    Paulo Papa . Mar 21, 2025
  • BYD Shark 6 DMO: first impressions
    BYD Shark 6 DMO: first impressions
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 19, 2025
  • Changan Uni-T: bold and classy
    Changan Uni-T: bold and classy
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 14, 2025
  • JAC JS2 Pro: ideal 'first car' option
    JAC JS2 Pro: ideal 'first car' option
    Paulo Papa . Mar 10, 2025