LTO to aggressively push for seatbelt use

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to tap local government units, transport groups, schools and other stakeholders for maximum information and communication drive to increase awareness about the importance of seatbelt use among drivers and passengers.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II also instructed all regional directors and district office heads to maximize the use of the social media and other mass communication platforms to encourage more motorists to comply with the existing law on the mandatory use of seatbelt.

“Our approach on this matter will be two-pronged: the first is on strict enforcement through the deployment of our enforcers and coordination with other law enforcement agencies. The second one is a massive information drive to make the motorists realize the importance of wearing a seatbelt,” said Mendoza in a statement.

Such move is part of LTO’s Stop Road Crash program which they are bent on pushing aggressively this year.

Under the campaign to promote the use of seatbelts, the LTO will coordinate with the local government units and tap the services of citizen groups and community organizations for the promotion of public safety awareness.

Transport groups, schools and other stakeholders will also be tapped to maximize the information and communication drive to increase awareness about the importance of seat belt use among drivers and passengers.

“The campaign shall stress the safety and health value of seat belts to support the most effective enforcement,” said Mendoza.

Mendoza said the campaign to promote the use of seatbelt will also pave the way for the conduct of research and study with motorists as respondents, holding of various programs and projects, and promotion of road safety advocacy network system.

“Creating plans and programs on the nationwide information education communication campaign on the importance and use of seatbelt is crucial for increasing awareness and promoting road safety,” he added.

The LTO will be conducting regular assessments on the efficiency and effectiveness of the campaign on seatbelt use. — (FREEMAN)