In line with the Road Safety Awareness Month this May, the Land Transportation Office has renewed its call for drivers to practice discipline and responsible driving to prevent road-related accidents.
LTO Regional Law Enforcement Section (RLES) chief Yuri Lim said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw Forum on Monday that human error remains the leading cause of vehicular accidents followed by mechanical issues.
“Sa mga nababasa naming na traffic incident reports majority are caused by human error, secondary po yung mechanical factor, pag sinabing human error it boils down with the discipline of the driver (Based on the traffic incident reports we have reviewed, majority are caused by human error. Mechanical issues come in second. When we talk of human error, it boils down to the driver’s discipline),” he said.
He said that their office is currently reviewing the procedure for driver’s license application, pending final issuance of new guidelines.
In support of the National Road Safety Month campaign, the LTO has been tasked with reaching out to various transport groups, including barangay transport drivers association, groups drivers of the public utility vehicle (PUV), and public utility jeep (PUJ), especially in Davao City, which hosts a significant number of taxis and bus garages.
He added that they are also coordinating with the group of truckers due to prevalent accidents involving trucks. They also conduct barangay-level outreach and caravans.
Lim said that part of their advocacy is for drivers to practice discipline as it helps in road safety.
“Malaking factor talaga pag disiplinado driver pagdating sa pagmaneho. Driving is a continuing learning experience hindi lang yan natuto tayo sa isang araw, sa isang oras, sa isang saglit lang but eventually sa araw araw nating pagda-drive natututo din tayo. Dapat bawat minute, bawat oras nakafocus tayo (Being a disciplined driver is a big factor. Driving is a continuing learning experience, it is not something we master within one day, one hour, or in a moment. Every time we drive, we learn something new. Every minute and every hour behind the wheel is a chance to improve-as long as we stay focused),” he said.
In line with the observance of the National Road Safety Month, the LTO is urging all road users to prioritize not only their own safety but also the safety of others. The agency is also reminding motorists that road safety is a shared responsibility that requires commitment and consistent practice.
“Always think about your safety and the safety of everyone using the road,” Lim said. CIO
