By Macon Ramos-Araneta
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is seeking the establishment of a national traffic enforcement and management center for efficient traffic enforcement and road safety policy.
He cited the need for effective traffic management in the country to ensure the safety of motorists and passengers, especially during the Christmas season when there are many mall sales.
Gatchalian’s Senate Bill No. 1059 or An Act Establishing the National Traffic Enforcement and Management Center (Traffic Center)aims to build the capacity of traffic enforcers by providing them training in all areas of traffic enforcement and management including traffic engineering, road safety, accident investigation, driver training, post-accident management, and understanding violations.
The proposed traffic center, which shall be attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), shall be the primary training center for all traffic enforcement personnel in the country.
This means that a certification from the center shall be necessary for the deputization of traffic enforcement personnel of local government units.
“A properly trained traffic enforcer coupled with the best practices in the enforcement of traffic laws will ensure a safer road for the public, particularly to motorists and pedestrians, and a better traffic management system,” Gatchalian said.
He emphasized that traffic enforcers play a vital role in maintaining public order and road safety.
The proposed measure also aims to undertake road safety audits on highways and road transportation projects and traffic management schemes to identify road risks and hazards.
The bill also seeks to train the public in the basics of road traffic laws, drive education and behavior, the current status of road environment and enforcement, and causes and hazards that lead to road accidents.
The proposed measure also seeks to enable the “Traffic Center” to scientifically research the causes and consequences of road collisions and accidents as well as prepare effective systems for their analyses in order to provide remedial measures.