LTO probes viral video on ‘sleeping’ pick-up truck driver

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has launched an investigation into a widely circulated video appearing to show a motorist asleep at the wheel of a pick-up truck in Metro Manila.

LTO chief assistant secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said Friday that the agency’s social media monitoring team discovered the viral video of a black Ford Ranger, posted by a user identified as Yamato Kenji, and immediately initiated an inquiry.

The video has garnered over three million views, according to the latest monitoring.

“While the video suggests the driver fell asleep, we need to determine the actual circumstances — whether the driver truly fell asleep and if a medical condition was involved, requiring proof, because that incident was very dangerous,” Mendoza said.

The video depicts the pick-up truck moving slowly along a road as other motorists attempted to rouse the driver. At one point, an individual is seen trying to stop the vehicle. The incident reportedly resulted in property damage, and the driver was later shown waking up.

Mendoza confirmed that a show cause order has been issued to the registered owner of the pick-up truck, who resides in Quezon City.

The show cause order, signed by LTO-Intelligence and Investigation Division chief Renante Melitante, requires the registered owner to explain why they should not face penalties for the incident.

Mendoza cited that the investigation aims to ascertain if the registered owner was driving the vehicle at the time and to clarify reports suggesting the driver was intoxicated.

The LTO is investigating potential violations including reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, and operating a motor vehicle without proper authorization.