It's about time
The LTO is currently enforcing the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 with the help of technology. The breath analyzers we have been hearing for quite some time have arrived. These devices can measure the amount of alcohol that a person has taken. If the amount of alcohol ingested goes over the legal limit set by the government, then the person is considered intoxicated and not fit to drive any vehicle on the road. The usual excuse of only having a bottle of beer will no longer fly. A dry-run was conducted by the LTO and to no surprise, they caught a few violators right away. Some even on motorcycles, which is really both appalling and stupid. But because it was a dry-run, they weren't charged but warned instead. Shouldn't they have been cited as well, especially those on motorcycles?
With the new law, the punishment for drunk driving is now much heavier. Violators can be jailed for three months and fined in the amount of twenty thousand pesos. Licenses may be suspended for six months if not involved in an accident, which carry an even heavier punishment if involved.
I can just imagine the number of people who will be caught drunk driving with the use of these breath analyzers. The concept of a designated driver has not caught up in this country. But as they say, the equipment is only as good as the person operating it. While the equipment cannot be threatened, fooled or bribed, the one operating it can. It just opens up so many opportunities for the corrupt to take advantage of. Perhaps the breath analyzers should keep a record of its use, so the data can be downloaded at any time. Violators recorded on the analyzers should have a corresponding arrest. If not, then you know a deal has been made. I also believe it as time for police cars to have video cameras mounted on their dashboard, just like in other countries. All arrests and chases will be recorded for legal purposes. But I can already imagine the resistance this will get.
The Anti Drunk Driving Law has never really grown any teeth. Violators, especially the rich and powerful who are even involved in deadly accidents go scot-free. It really is time to enforce the law. Armed with the breath analyzers, which by the way have been around for decades, enforcers should have no reason not to charge violators. If video cameras can be installed as well on police cars, even better. The police will have no reason not to do their jobs.
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