The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said it will support the crafting of a law that would clearly define and penalize road rage incidents.
On the part of the agency, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said they are conducting their own study in coming up with the definition of road rage, as well as the tough penalties that could be enforced as part of preventive and corrective measures.
Mendoza issued the statement as he admitted that the penalties that the LTO could impose is not that tough and in response to the statement of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Earlier, Zubiri said a special law should be crafted to avoid road rage incidents. He said a special law would ensure the protection of drivers, motorists, and the riding public in general.
In the case of dismissed policeman Wilfredo Gonzales for instance who figured in a viral road rage video in Quezon City, Mendoza said the ex-cop was only penalized with revocation of the driver’s license for two years.
“We cannot impose penalty higher than four years, suspension or revocation. And the four-year suspension or revocation would only apply if there is death or injury involved,” said Mendoza.
At least two road rage incidents went viral in the past weeks, the recent was in Valenzuela City. Both incidents involved the use of firearms.