MMDA warns motorists anew vs texting while driving

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned motorists anew yesterday of the dangers posed by using cell phones while driving.

MMDA officials said sending and receiving text messages definitely results in accidents, citing records showing that more than 700 motorists figured in road mishaps while using their mobile phones last year while another 400 figured in similar accidents so far this year.

MMDA executive director Angelito Vergel de Dios said the fine or penalty for texting while driving is very minimal right now but a proposed national law will eventually strengthen the rules.

According to him, he himself met an accident because his cell phone distracted him several years ago in Quezon City.

“I was entering the Elliptical Circle coming from Visayas Avenue. I had to watch for the vehicles coming from the left while using my cell but the vehicle in front made a sudden stop,” he told The STAR.

Vergel de Dios, noting that texting while driving was not yet prohibited then, said his vehicle rammed the rear of the vehicle in front of him.

Meanwhile, the MMDA said it is also intensifying its drive against cyclists who do not wear helmets when cruising along main roads.

Officials said the dangers faced by cyclists are the same as those faced by motorcycle riders.

Over the past years, the MMDA has been painting some of Metro Manila’s roads to identify bike lanes and make it safer for cyclists on the road.