SCO issued vs road incident-fleeing driver
Yesterday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that the agency sent a formal complaint to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) against a driver involved in a viral traffic incident in Taguig City.
The driver, who side-swiped a Joyride rider and his passenger, attempted to flee the scene and dragged an MMDA traffic enforcer on top of his vehicle’s hood for about 500 meters.
Today, LTO chief, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said that the agency has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against the driver.
“This is unacceptable. Clearly, there are serious discipline and behavior problems on the part of the driver,” said Mendoza.
Based on the police investigation, the red Hyundai Stargazer sideswiped a Honda Click motorcycle at the East Service Road near Nichols PNR Station in Taguig City.
After being hit, the Honda Click moved in front of the Stargazer to block it as the Stargazer's driver seemed to be attempting to flee. The Stargazer then hit the Honda Click again, on its rear this time, before driving away.
A nearby MMDA Traffic Enforcer witnessed the incident and attempted to stop the Stargazer, but the driver ignored him and fled.
The enforcer chased and intercepted the Stargazer and even stood in front of the vehicle but the driver sped off which caused the traffic enforcer to be dragged and almost risk his life.
The charges that were violated, according to the SCO, are Reckless Driving (Sec. 48 of R.A. 4136), Failure to comply with the Duty of Driver in case of Accident (Sec. 55 of R.A. 4136), Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle pursuant to Sec. 27(a) of R.A. 4136.
The driver of the Hyundai Stargazer was also ordered to surrender the driver’s license on or before the scheduled hearing on September 3.
Additionally, the LTO has put a 90-day preventive suspension on the driver’s license of the driver in the viral video, as well as an alarm against the vehicle driven in the incident.
Mendoza again reminded motorists to be responsible and disciplined at all times, stressing that the license to drive is a privilege being given by the government, and therefore could be revoked at any time in cases of violations of rules and regulations.
