People who use mobile phones while driving could lose their license and be made to pay a fine of P10,000 under a bill proposed by members of the House of Representatives.
The bill, approved on third and final reading by the House of the 15th Congress, will have to go through the legislative process again in the 16th Congress.
Its original authors, though, hoped their colleagues will revive the proposal. “While cellular phones have become an integral part of both business and personal lives, the alarming figures on cell phone-related accidents transform this technological gadget into a dangerous device,” Tarlac Representative Susan Yap said.
Citing statistics collected by the National Statistical Coordination Board from 2001 to 2006, Yap said traffic accidents involving mobile phones increased to 91 cases from 14 in 2001. She said motorists should use hands-free devices while driving, a practice that does not lower the risk of getting into an accident.
Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop, also an author of the measure, said drivers should not multi-task while behind the wheel. “Distracted driving, or using a cell phone or other electronic device while driving, particularly texting and reading messages, effectively removes the visual focus of the driver from the road and diminishes his degree of concentration on the safety of his driving,” he said.
