LTO summons viral trike driver for reckless driving in Pasay City

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order (SCO) against the driver of a “tuktuk” tricycle that went viral for driving recklessly and speeding away even after hitting a motorcycle rider and his passenger in Pasay City.

In a statement on Monday, the LTO cited the report of GMA Integrated News on the incident that happened on February 15 and was captured on video by concerned motorists who chased after the tricycle.

The driver and registered owner of the tricycle were both summoned to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on February 23 at 2 p.m. to submit their sworn explanation of the incident.

Viral footage of the incident showed the tricycle driving recklessly along national roads and even speeding away after hitting a motorcycle rider and his passenger.

Concerned motorcycle riders chased the tricycle as it went against the flow of traffic. They eventually managed to block its path, leading to the arrest of its 39-year-old driver.

LTO chief and Transportation Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the driver’s reckless actions posed a danger to other motorists and pedestrians.

“Ang kaligtasan ng ating mga pasahero at ang disiplina ng ating mga driver ay napakahalaga. Ang insidenteng ito ay isang malinaw na paalala na ang walang ingat na pagmamaneho ay may malubhang kahihinatnan,” Lacanilao said.

(The safety of our passengers and the discipline of our drivers is very important. This incident is a clear reminder that reckless driver has severe consequences.)

The tricycle driver is facing a complaint for reckless driving, disregarding traffic signs, etc.

His driver’s license is also at risk of being revoked for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

In the meantime, the LTO imposed a 90-day temporary suspension on his driver’s license and placed the tricycle under an LTO alarm while the investigation is ongoing. — JMA, GMA Integrated News