339 traffic violators netted

Almost a week after the launching of the intensified road safety campaign in the city, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has apprehended a total of 339 erring motorists for driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages and driving/riding without helmet.

DCPO director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum said that the data covers the period from February 6 to 11. Of the number, 15 were apprehended for violating Republic Act (RA) 10586 known as Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 and 324 for RA 10054 known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

Tagum said that for violation of RA 10586, cases were filed against the erring motorists while citation tickets were issued against those violating RA 10054, as it states that all motorcycle riders, including drivers and back riders shall at all times wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving, whether long or short drives, in any type of road and highway.

“Marami na kaming apprehended because we have raised the level of implementation of our campaign,” Tagum said.

On February 6, DCPO launched its call against Unsafe Driving at the DCPO grounds. It focused on the relentless and aggressive operation of local police against persons driving under the influence of liquor and driving without helmet.

Tagum even warned the station commanders to relieve them if they will not deliver the directive of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio against these drivers. Such unsafe driving habits usually result to road mishaps and deaths. Meanwhile, 723 violators of RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which sets the legal speed limits and penalties for traffic violations such as reckless driving, among other provisions, were likewise apprehended and were given citation tickets.