Sitoy: Ban use of gadgets while driving

CEBU, Philippines – Provincial Board member Arleigh Sitoy has proposed to make the use of any electronic communication gadget illegal while driving within the territorial jurisdiction of Cebu province.

In the ordinance he crafted, Sitoy said that responsible driving requires full attention, focus and presence of mind to ensure not only the driver's personal safety but also his passen-gers, other drivers, and pedestrians on the road.

According to Sitoy, the use of electronic communication gadgets while driving causes distraction to the driver leading to road accidents, serious injuries and even deaths.

Research shows that 25 to 50 percent of the road accidents in America are caused by distracted drivers. There are many causes of distractions but number in the list is texting.

Sitoy cited in his proposed ordinance that even United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon strongly denounced the driving habit and encouraged all nations to adopt a culture in which wielding a phone or any in-car communication devices become abhorrently unacceptable in the eyes of the law.

"The Province of Cebu acknowledges the serious safety issues of the irresponsible use of electronic communication contrivances by persons operating a motor vehicle on the road and seeks to penalize every person who would insist on practicing the risky habit," Sitoy's proposed ordinance reads.

The proposed ordinance however exempts law enforcement officers who are in the performance of their duties and functions, official drivers of emergency motor vehicles and those who are compelled to report or respond to an emergency situation.

Sitoy proposed that violators will be fined P2,500 for first offense, P3,500 for the second offense and P5,000 for the third offense and an imprisonment not exceeding 30 days. (FREEMAN)