LTO to start breath analyzer tests next week

MANILA, Philippines - Starting March 12, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be using breath analyzer tests on motorists suspected to be driving under the influence of alcohol in a bid to address drunk driving in the country, an official said yesterday.

Jason Salvador, spokesman for the LTO, said at least 150 units of breath analyzer and drug test kits would be initially distributed in the National Capital Region, Metro Davao and Metro Cebu where cases of vehicular accidents caused by drunk driving are high.

Under the anti-drunk driving law, non-professional drivers found with blood alcohol content exceeding 0.05 percent will be penalized. For professional drivers, it’s 0.01 percent BAH.

“The LTO is mandated to do random drug tests at terminals of public utility vehicles,” Salvador said in an interview.

In an advisory published in The STAR, the LTO urged all concerned agencies to send participants to the 2nd LTO Deputized Law Enforcement Officers workshop on anti-drunk driving from March 10 to 12.

Under the law, a professional driver found to be driving under the influence of alcohol will have his driver’s license suspended for 12 months. Drivers of public utility vehicles will have their licenses revoked if they are found guilty of drunk driving.

The breath analyzers, costing around P68,500 each and calibrated by the Department of Health, will only be used if the driver fails any of the field sobriety tests.

In the tests, drivers must stand on one foot without falling, walk along a straight line and follow a moving object using only their eyes. – Robertzon Ramirez, Mike Frialde