'Walang ganyanan': SUV driver abandons rider after QC accident, LTO summons vehicle owner
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) reminded motorists of their obligation to extend assistance to fellow road users in cases of road crashes, a rule that was ignored by the driver of a sports utility vehicle following a collision with a motorcycle rider.
LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said abandoning road users after a road crash is a violation of the provision of Section 55 of the Republic Act 4136, under the Duty of Driver in case of Accident.
“We already identified the registered owner of the Land Cruiser and we already issued a show cause order. We are yet to determine if the owner was the driver of the vehicle that time, this will be the subject of the ongoing investigation and the reason why he was summoned,” said Mendoza.
Once the LTO identifies the driver of the Land Cruiser Plate (NAJ9218) at the time of the incident, he said the license will immediately be suspended for 90 days.
Based on the initial investigation, the Land Cruiser figured in a collision with a motorcycle on July 11 along Commonwealth Avenue in front of UP Technohub, Quezon City. As a result, the rider was injured and the motorcycle was damaged.
But instead of helping the rider, the driver of the Land Cruiser sped off. The rider was taken to the nearby hospital with the help of motorists and bystanders.
Mendoza said the owner of the Land Cruiser was summoned to the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on Aug. 7 and was asked to explain why he should not be sanctioned.
The owner is also facing violations of reckless driving and being an Improper person to Operate a Motor Vehicle, unless he proves that he was not the one driving the car.
“The Toyota Land Cruiser (SUV) bearing Plate No. NAJ9218 was placed under alarm to prevent any and all transactions while under investigation and compel the appearance of the registered owner and the involved driver,” the show cause order. read.