Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada is requiring every member of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau to undergo extensive seminars and training on the implementation of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.
Estrada said he has no intention of allowing local traffic enforcers to apprehend ADDA violators in the city unless they have all become knowledgeable and competent enough to enforce the provisions of the new law.
“We’re requiring them to first undergo seminar on ADDA before they start flagging down motorists for violation,” Estrada said. “We don’t want our men going around apprehending motorists if they don’t know the A to Z of this law.”
Estrada cited past incidents when traffic enforcers got into fights with motorists because of the confusion on the implementing rules and regulations of ADDA.
“If possible, everyone should be able to recite it even in their sleep,” Estrada said, as he underscored the importance of fully knowing the anti-distracted driving law.
MPTB chief Dennis Alcoreza said they have sent a letter to the Land Transportation Office requesting the agency to conduct ADDA seminars to the 200 men of the bureau soon.
“We’re not yet ready [to enforce ADDA],” Alcoreza pointed out. “We want to make sure that our traffic enforcers have the technical know-how in enforcing this law and avoiding problems.”
Even if MTPB enforcers cannot implement ADDA yet, Alcoreza pointed out that there are MMDA and LTO enforcers that are regularly operating in Manila and going after the ADDA violators.
“This is a law so we have to implement it. It’s just that our men should be fully trained first. We’re coordinating with LTO, MMDA, and DOTr (Department of Transportation) about this matter,” he said.
MMDA has resumed the implementation of ADDA last Thursday, catching 92 violators in the first 12 hours. Of the number, 52 were motorcycle drivers.
Under the law’s revised implementing rules and regulations, drivers are prohibited from using electronic devices and mobile phones, except when the hands-free functions have been enabled. Gadgets should also be placed only on the car’s dashboard if these do not exceed the four-inch height limit.
Among the prohibited acts under this law meant to make driving safer are: Holding the device to make or receive calls; composing, sending and reading text messages; performing calculations; playing games; watching videos, and browsing the internet.