PH solon pushes bill banning use of cell phones while driving

A member of Congress has urged her colleagues to fast track the approval of a bill imposing stiffer penalties against motorists who are caught using their cell phones while driving. Tarlac representative Susan Yap-Sulit, author of House Bill 318, said the measure will declare this dangerous habit as a criminal act. Under the bill, drivers could be pulled over by traffic policemen if caught talking or texting while driving, Yap-Sulit said. “While cellular phones have become an integral part of both business and personal lives, the alarming figures on cell phone-related accidents has transformed this technological gadget into a dangerous device," Yap-Sulit said. “The danger is not only to the lives and limbs of the general driving public but also to the innocent pedestrians," Yap-Sulit added. The bill imposes a fine ranging from P3,000.00 to P10,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than one year. Yap-Sulit cited the report of the Philippines Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) showing that cell phone-related accidents significantly increased from 70 cases in 2008 to 491 in 2009. “The data translates to an increase of 601percent in road accidents involving motorists using cellular phones while driving," Yap-Sulit said. “While the State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in national building, the State puts premium on the life and safety of its citizen by regulating the use of communication gadgets," according to Yap-Sulit. “The early passage of the bill can save a lot of lives and properties and everyone shall benefit from the safety of our roads again," Yap-Sulit said. Related bills include House Bill 788, 986, 1277, 2136 and 3445 authored by representatives Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (Pampanga), Augusto Syjuco (Iloilo), Irwin C. Tieng (Party-list, BUHAY) and Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David (Manila). — Newsbytes.ph