The Land Transportation Office vowed to intensify nationwide terminal inspection and quick random drug tests on drivers of Public Utility Vehicles to lessen road accidents.
"Time and again, we have all seen the disastrous consequences brought about by drunk or drugged driving, more importantly during the Yuletide season, where many families go out to celebrate and be merry. It is time that we change that mindset to avert the loss of life and property," LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III said on Thursday, 22 September.
As per Section 15 of Republic Act No. 10856 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, the LTO is mandated to conduct e random terminal inspection and quick random drug test of PUV drivers.
According to the LTO's Law Enforcement Service-Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Enforcement Unit, a total of 558 road crash incidents were recorded from January to August. In August alone, it recorded the highest number of 128 accidents.
During the first eight months of the year, the agency also saw a total of 476 drivers tested positive for alcoholic intoxication.
The LTO said it 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.
