DOTC eyes 'curfew' for bus drivers

After the recent series of fatal road accidents involving buses, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is now considering imposing a "curfew" of sorts on bus drivers to keep them from being drowsy behind the wheel. DOTC Secretary Jose de Jesus said Monday this can complement a proposed program requiring bus drivers to undergo random drug tests. "Yes indeed, our drivers should be in good physical condition to drive, especially buses where they are responsible for so many passengers," de Jesus said in an interview on dwIZ radio. He said bus drivers should realize they are responsible for several lives when they get behind the wheel. De Jesus noted that in the airline industry, pilots have a limit or a maximum number of hours when they are allowed to fly, to keep them from getting prone to errors. "Parang piloto rin, they have a limited number, maximum number of hours they are allowed to fly. Yan dapat ma-enforce talaga (Like airline pilots, they should have a maximum number of hours they are allowed to fly. That is a policy that should apply to the bus drivers)," he said. He also said the DOTC continues to fine-tune a new program that will overhaul the system of licensing, registration, granting of franchise, and maintenance of public utility vehicles. "Kung hindi (If we do not come up with such a program), it will continue to happen unless we really tighten up and improve the system. It is something that will take a little time but we will ave to do something serious about it," he said. At least two major road incidents involving buses claimed more than 40 lives in Benguet and Camarines Sur provinces last week. On Wednesday, at least 42 people were killed when a passenger bus fell into a ravine in Benguet. On Saturday, Bb. Pilipinas titleholder Melody Gersbach and two others were killed when a Guevarra Bus slammed into the Toyota Innova they were riding in Camarines. De Jesus said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Bicol issued a suspension order against the Guevarra Bus Company. "All units of this bus company will be suspended and subject to inspection. They will be asked to show cause why their franchise should not be suspended or recalled," he said. Random drug tests De Jesus said the DOTC and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency will study a proposed program for a random drug testing for drivers. "On the surface to me that looks like a good suggestion. I think we just have to look on the operationalization of that suggestion, how feasible it is," he said. –VVP, GMANews.TV