MMDA revives program vs drunk driving

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday launched a renewed campaign against drunk driving, which involves designating a detention area for intoxicated motorists at the agency’s various field emergency stations.

MMDA Undersecretary Cesar Lacuna said they revived the campaign against drunk drivers to prevent an increase in road accidents.

" A drunk motorist is more likely to either hit a pedestrian or collide with an approaching vehicle. There have also been a lot of ‘self accidents.’ The driver could hurt himself by ramming his car into a tree or wall." Lacuna said.

Previously, MMDA enforcers turn over drunk drivers to traffic officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP). But this time, the traffic agency has designated a special area for these irresponsible motorists.

"The MMDA’s emergency stations would serve as an area, not really a jail, to control drunken people. Our traffic enforcers would simply prevent them from getting back behind the wheel and cause more problems," Lacuna said.

He added they have installed dividers to serve as holding areas. A drunk driver would stay there until they become sober.

The MMDA official said it often takes six to eight hours for the effects of alcohol to subside.

Apart from the temporary detention, a traffic enforcer would also confiscate the driver’s license of an erring motorist and require him to pay a P2,000 fine. Lacuna assured the public that the MMDA would not impound vehicles.