Makati to buy breath analyzers to fight drunk driving

MANILA, Philippines - The city government of Makati will purchase breath analyzers with the issuance of the approved implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.

Makati City Administrator Eleno Mendoza said the city government is just waiting for the IRR’s approval to ensure that the devices to be purchased would be compliant with the prescribed standards and specifications.

“We are hoping that the IRR for R.A. 10586 will be issued soon so that we can proceed with the initial purchase of at least 10 units of breath analyzing devices.  Our traffic enforcers need them to be able to identify drivers whose blood alcohol levels exceed the legal limit,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs must be promptly taken off the road for their own safety and for the safety of other motorists.

In September 2011, Makati started enforcing City Ordinance No. 2011-010 amending certain provisions of the Makati Traffic Code of 2003 and imposing higher fines and penalties for drunk driving and other traffic violations in the city.

Based on the records of the Traffic Enforcement Unit (MTEU) of the Makati Police Department, there were 18 apprehensions for drunk driving last year.

Makati’s traffic code penalizes driving under the influence of drugs or liquor with a fine of P2,500, impoundment of the vehicle, and suspension or revocation of license. Business establishments that serve alcoholic beverages, on the other hand, are required to post in clear view of customers reminders against drunk driving. Failure to abide with such posting requirement will be penalized with a fine of P2,500 and suspension of permit to operate. In addition, the rules require them not to serve or sell liquors to customers who will drive vehicles.

In 2013, the city recorded a total of 6,348 traffic violations with corresponding Ordinance Violation Receipts (OVR) issued.  Aside from drunk driving, other violations included colorum operation of public utility vehicles, illegal counterflow, disobedience to traffic sign, color coding violation, non-use of seatbelt or helmet, and obstruction, among others.

From 2012 to 2013, the MTEU has conducted a road safety seminar dubbed “Magaling na Tsuper” for some 1,905 drivers of public utility vehicles in the city as part of its intensified public information drive against drunk driving.