MMDA: Cement mixer a ‘dangerous’ vehicle

MANILA, Philippines - After a 21-year-old student was crushed by a wayward cement mixer in Quezon City on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) proposed yesterday that cement mixers be reclassified as “dangerous vehicles.”

The Land Transportation Office is responsible for classifying vehicles in the Philippines.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said cement mixer trucks are currently grouped by the international motor vehicle classification as “ordinary Class 8 heavy duty trucks” along with other vehicles with gross weight ratings of 14,969 kilos or more. All types of trailer trucks are classified as “ordinary Class 8 heavy duty trucks.”

“Drivers of cement mixers have limited line of vision because of the huge drum at the rear. They cannot see through their back. Their rearview mirrors are useless,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino said cement mixers should be classified as “dangerous” or “hazardous-type” vehicles along with fuel tankers. Vehicles classified under this type have safety features such as prominent signs and lightings.

“If you’re driving a dangerous vehicle, other vehicles must stay away at least 50 feet and you should not go nearer than 50 feet to the vehicle you’re trailing,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino said cement truck drivers must also possess a special driver’s license.

According to the MMDA, a cement mixer truck figures in at least one vehicular accident each week in Metro Manila. Drivers of ready-mix concrete trucks have 90 minutes to deliver their load to the construction site before the mix hardens, Tolentino said.