Let Us Prevent Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents Through a Comprehensive Approach – Legarda

LEGARDA FILED SENATE BILL NO. 1339 WHICH ADDRESSES THE PROBLEM OF DRUNK OR DRUG DRIVING THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMS APPROACH, WHICH INCLUDES:
1. driver education,
2.mandatory alcohol and drug testing of drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents,
3.the establishment of a drunk driving prevention fund for the purpose of funding the implementation of this proposed legislation, and
4. the conduct of public information campaigns by alcohol beverage manufacturers about drunk driving and its ill effects with the end in view of preventing the same.
Legarda said, “While Republic Act No. 4136, as amended, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, prohibits driving under the influence of liquor or narcotic drug, it merely imposes a minimal penalty and does not address the seriousness of the matter.”
Legarda’s bill stipulates that every applicant for a driver’s license shall complete a course of instruction that provides information on driver and safety matters, including the effects of consumption of beverage alcohol products and the use of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and non-prescription drugs on the ability of a person to operate a motor vehicle; the hazards of driving under the influence; and the penalties for driving under the influence.
“The driver’s license test shall include written questions concerning the effects of consumption of beverage alcohol products and the use of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and non-prescription drugs on the ability of a person to operate a motor vehicle and the legal and financial consequences resulting from violation of the law prohibiting driving under the influence.”
Legarda concluded, “Newspaper stories abound of alcohol and drug -related vehicular accidents resulting in unnecessary death and injury to innocent victims. Drunk driving or driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs is a matter of grave public concern that needs to be dealt with more seriously.”