LTO summons motorcycle rider who went viral for video call while driving

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday meted a 90-day preventive suspension on the driver’s license of a motorcycle rider who was caught on video while using his smartphone for a video call while driving.

In a statement, the LTO said it also issued a show cause order (SCO) against the motorcycle rider, who was filmed while apparently using his smartphone while driving.

The motorcycle rider was ordered to appear before the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) in Quezon City on Friday, January 16 at 10 a.m.

In a statement, LTO chief and Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao reminded motorists to practice road safety by not engaging in distracted driving.

“Sa ating mga kababayan, hindi po tayo pwede magbulag-bulagan sa mga ganitong uri ng pagmamaneho. Ang paggamit ng cellphone habang nagbabyahe – lalo na kung naka-video call pa – ay lubhang mapanganib hindi lang para sa driver kundi para sa lahat ng gumagamit ng kalsada at labag sa batas,” Lacanilao said.

(To our countrymen, we cannot be blind to these kinds of driving. Using a cellphone while driving – especially if on video call – is extremely dangerous not only for the driver but for all road users, and this is against the law.)

He added that distracted driving can lead to accidents and loss of life.

“Kaya naman po, inisyuhan natin ng show cause order ang nasabing driver para bigyan siya ng pagkakataong ipaliwanag ang kanyang ginawa. Kasabay nito, sinuspende na rin natin ang kanyang lisensya ng 90 araw para ipakita na seryoso tayo sa pagpapanatili ng kaligtasan sa lahat ng daanan,” he added.

(That’s why we issued a show cause order against the said driver to give him a chance to explain his actions. We also suspended his driver’s license for 90 days to show that we are serious about ensuring the safety of all road users.) 

The motorcycle rider was told to submit a formal explanation why he should not be held accountable for violations such as reckless driving, distracted driving, and improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

His motorcycle was also placed under LTO alarm status while the investigation is ongoing. — JMA, GMA Integrated News