Land Transportation Office-National Capital Region Regional Director Roque Verzosa III emphasized over the weekend the crucial importance of using seatbelts for motorists' safety while inside a vehicle.

"Using a seatbelt is crucial for safety in a vehicle. It restrains passengers during sudden stops or collisions, preventing ejection and reducing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities. Seatbelts distribute force across the strongest parts of the body, minimizing the impact on vulnerable areas," Verzosa said.

He issued the reminder following the Law Enforcement Service's outstanding performance from November 16 to 15 December 2023, which recorded a total of 3,524 apprehensions.

Verzosa specified that the apprehensions comprised 480 for Unregistered Motor Vehicles Violations and 3,044 for Other Violations.

In a recent report by LTO-NCR Traffic Adjudication Service Chief Raul Avanceña, the top 5 violations were: Seatbelt: 1,179; Helmet: 600;
Unregistered MV: 480; Overloading: 467; MV operating with defective accessories, devices, equipment, or parts: 406.

The LTO-NCR chief mentioned that the Top 5 number of violations from 16 November to 15 December 2023, amounting to 3,132, is 111.478 percent higher compared to the Top 5 number of violations for the same period in 2022, which recorded 1,481 apprehensions: overloading, 876; helmet, 221; seatbelt, 186; MV operating with defective accessories, devices, equipment, and parts, 139; and unregistered MV, 59.

Verzosa also noted that the total fine collection surged to Php11,439,588.09 in 2023 (16 Nov to 15 Dec), reflecting a remarkable 199.57 percent increase compared to Php3,818,669.56 in the same period in 2022.

He attributed the substantial increase in apprehensions and collections to the dedicated law enforcement efforts led by LTO-NCR Assistant Regional Director Hanzley H. Lim and Administrative Division Chief Pio Paolo E. Erta.

"As we celebrate our achievements, let's not forget the essence of road safety. Adhering to traffic rules and transportation laws is not just a legal obligation but a collective responsibility for the safety of all road users. In 2024, we aim for fewer road traffic violations, creating a safer and more secure environment for everyone," Verzosa emphasized.

This accomplishment, he added, underscores the LTO's commitment to ensuring road safety and regulatory compliance, under the guidance of Transportation Secretary Jaime "Jimmy" J. Bautista and LTO Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II.