Regulation on PUV signs, ornaments in the works

ON May 18, t he Anti- Distracted Driving law finally went into full effect, drawing mixed reactions from motorists on social media. Some lauded the authorities for finally addressing t he i ssue of distracted driving, while many expressed frustration over the number of gray areas in its implementation.

Many of the comments we came across on social media were calls for the Department of Transportation ( DOTr) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to treat obstructive ornaments and items on the dashboards and windshields of public utility vehicles (PUV) with the same level of concern as phone mounts and dashcams.

Basically, netizens wondered: “How are all of those signs and ornaments any less distracting than our gadgets?”

It’s a fair point to raise, and it’s an appropriate time to raise it. Fortunately, it looks like government agencies are already taking steps to address the matter.

The DOTr posted a Facebook status on Thursday saying that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is already coming up with a separate regulation for signages and other “borloloy” in jeepneys, buses and other PUVs.

“How about PUVs with s i gnages occupying t he windshield? Aren’t those considered distractions?” the post reads. “The Anti-Distracted Act pertains to electronic and communication devices only. The LTFRB is coming up with a separate regulation on signages on PUVs.”

“Again, at the core of the law is SAFETY. Don’t text and drive. It is as distracting, even fatal,” the short post ended. ( Topgear)