Senate approves bill prohibiting use of phones while driving

Just recently, the Senate has finally approved the bill that prohibits mobile phone usage and other forms of distracting activities while driving in the Philippines.

 

 

According to a press release from the senate, Senate Bill No. 3211 known as the “Anti-Distracted Driving Act,” aims to “safe guard the public from the ruinous and extremely injurious effects of vehicular accidents.” This bill prohibits the use of mobile communication to write, send or read text, and to make and receive phone calls. This also includes “using any electronic entertainment or computing device to play games, watch movies, surf the internet, read e-books, perform calculations, and other similar acts,” all while driving or while waiting on a red signal.

However, the said bill exempts those using mobile phones for emergencies, such as making phone calls to law enforcement agency, healthcare provider, fire department and other emergency services. This also includes people using mobile phones operating vehicles (ambulances and fire trucks) being used for emergency assistance purposes.

Any violation will correspond to a P15,000 fine and suspension of driver’s license for individuals committing third offense of the said act.

The bill will enter bicameral conference committee deliberations before sending it to President Aquino III for signing into law. Once it has been signed, these forms of distracted driving will now be unlawful.

 

Source: senate.gov.ph; Manila Bulletin