Thursday, March 12, 2009

Criminalizing Mobile Phone Use While Driving

House Bill 1625 (“Cell Phone Safety Act”) and House Bill 4917 (“An Act to Prohibit and Penalize Reading, Composing and Sending Electronic Messages while Driving, and for Other Purposes”) have been filed in the House of Representatives. They aim to prevent accidents and protect lives by forbidding motorists from using their mobile phones while on board a moving vehicle.

Placing/receiving calls and sending/receiving text messages is sought to be criminalized for both private and public vehicle drivers.

Proposed penalties are imprisonment for up to 6 months and fines of P200 - P100,000. Ouch.

There are some exemptions though – using hands-free devices and speaker phone function to make/receive calls, law enforcers while performing official functions, authorized drivers of ambulances and rescue vehicles while on duty, persons responding to emergency cases or rendering public service, and TV and radio news reporters. Thinking of faking an emergency? Shame on you.

The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (some members include - PLDT, Globe, Smart) is supporting these Bills. I wonder what they have to gain from this. Corporate responsibility? Wow, benevolent.

Did you know that driving while on the phone is just as dangerous as drunk driving? According to Mythbusters, anyway. Drive safe, everyone.

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