Philippine roads are notoriously challenging for drivers. Other than the physical condition of these roads, but also the possible accidents you can get in to with other drivers, motorcycle riders, cyclists, and even pedestrians.
More often than not, some drivers caught in a road mishap are the ones who are innocent. However, they are being automatically detained because of how existing regulations are designed.
That’s the issue the new Anti-Kamote Driving bill is trying to fix. It is officially called House Bill 10679 or the Defensive Driving Act of 2024 filed by Representative Margarita Nograles and Cheeno Almario.
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The provision of the bill is quite simple: a driver involved in a traffic incident is prohibited from being detained as long as he/she can provide proof that he/she is not at fault for the incident or violating any traffic rules before the incident.
Representatives behind the bill cited an incident that happened back in March 2024 as an example, where a motorcycle was allegedly under the influence of alcohol went up, counterflowing, the Skyway Stage 3 Balintawak ramp and collided ith an oncoming vehicle. The rider didn’t survive the accident while the driver was detained by the police.
That proof can come in the form of dashcam recording, CCTV, or photo/video footage from a witness within the accident’s vicinity.
More provisions about the bill should be ironed out in the upcoming hearings. One question that needs to be answered is who will decide whether the driver should be detained or not given that there is evidence provided.
Via: GMA News Online