­

New Law Bans Mobile Phone Use While Driving

These days, multitasking answers the demands of modern living. Everyone is caught juggling different tasks at the same time. So little time, so much to do. However, there are exceptions to the rule. Would you still prefer to multi-task when you know it can pose a threat to your safety? 

When you are multitasking, your effort becomes divided as well. For one task, you can devote 100% of your effort to produce excellent results, but multitasking makes it a challenge to obtain the same result. For instance, texting or calling while driving redirects some of your attention to your mobile phone. When you are on the road, anything that will require you to look away from the road or use your other hand to reply to a text message will challenge your safety.

Texting while driving is an accident waiting to happen. If you cannot avoid using your mobile device, make sure it is hands-free. Hands-free communication device allows you to keep your eyes on the road. 

The new law requires drivers to follow rules and regulations under Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving ACt. 

According to Romeo Vera Cruz, executive director of Land Transportation Office (LTO) drivers are prohibited to use their device even during the temporary stop. 

While there are apps such as Waze that assist drivers in getting from point A to point B, law enforcers are serious about implementing the new law. The device should not cause any distraction to the driver even if they are used for navigation purposes. 

Distracted Driving, under Section 4 of this Act is defined as: 

Sec. 4. Distracted Driving. – Subject to the qualifications in Sections 5 and 6 of this Act, distracted driving refers to the performance by a motorist of any of the following acts in a motor vehicle in motion or temporarily stopped at a red light, whether diplomatic, public or private, which are hereby declared unlawful;

(a) Using a mobile communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication or to make or receive calls, and other similar acts; and

(b) Using an electronic entertainment or computing device to play games, watch movies, surf the internet, compose messages, read e-books, perform calculations, and other similar acts.

Anyone caught violating the provision of this Act shall be penalized with:

(a) A fine of five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) for the first offense;

(b) A fine of ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) for the second offense;

(c) A fine of fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000.00) and suspension of driver’s license for three (3) months for the third offense; and

(d) A fine of twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) and revocation of driver’s license: Provided, That the implementing agency may increase the amount of fine herein imposed once every five (5) years in the amount not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the existing rates sought to be increased which shall take effect only upon publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation: Provided, further, That a driver of a public utility vehicle, a school bus, a school service vehicle, a common carrier hauling volatile, flammable or toxic material, or a driver who commits an act classified herein as distracted driving within a fifty (50)-meter radius from the school premises shall be subject to a penalty of thirty thousand pesos (P30,000.00) and suspension of one’s driver’s license for three (3) months.

The foregoing penalties shall be imposed without prejudice to other liabilities under the Revised Penal Code or any special law, arising out or on occasion of the herein prohibited acts.

 

Pinoy Attorney

Written by : Pinoy Attorney

­