LTO revokes license of truck driver in Katipunan road mishap
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of the truck driver that caused a massive road mishap involving several vehicles and resulted in a huge traffic jam along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City.
In a resolution signed by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III, the truck driver was ordered to pay a P2,000 fine for reckless driving.
Likewise, the truck driver was found to be “Driving Under the Influence of Dangerous Drugs and/or Similar Substances” at the time of the incident and was also declared an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.”
His driver’s license was ordered revoked by the LTO chief, and will be perpetually disqualified from securing a driver’s license and operating a motor vehicle. He is directed to surrender his driver’s license to the Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) of the LTO.
Subsequently, the registered owner and operator of the truck were also found liable for “employing reckless driver” and were meted a fine of P5,000.
On the early morning of September 27, 2022, while cruising along the Katipunan flyover in Barangay Escopa 3 in Quezon City, the driver told QCPD traffic policemen that he had lost control of the truck. This resulted in multiple vehicle collisions and caused physical injuries, property damage, and a traffic stoppage that lasted several hours.
Guadiz said he fully understands the plight of truck drivers, many of them driving for long hours going to faraway destinations to meet their delivery schedule. However, the use of illegal drugs and similar dangerous substances in order to keep awake for the long drive is not and will never be an excuse.
“Life is hard, and earning money to support our family entails hard work where many of us are forced to spend sleepless nights, especially truck drivers who deliver goods at night or even drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs). However, using illegal drugs just to keep oneself alert and awake to earn a living will never be an acceptable reason or excuse to be able to earn a living,” said Guadiz.
He said the LTO will continue to intensify its anti-drunk and drugged driving campaign not just against delivery truck drivers but also private and PUV drivers.
“There is clear and present danger against the driver, other drivers and pedestrians when driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. We urge our drivers out there to take heed and stop this practice to keep our roads safe and prevent the further loss of lives and damage to property,” he added.
