Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) — A season of cheer turned into sorrow for the families of more than two dozen victims killed in recent road crashes involving public utility vehicles (PUV).
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday reminded drivers to always follow traffic rules and observe speed limits, following deadly crashes over the holiday weekend.
“In this fast-paced season of holiday shopping, outing and family reunions, LTFRB would like to address this message, not only to the drivers, but also to the passengers of private or hired vehicles, do not rush your drivers,” LTFRB Spokesperson Aileen Lizada said.
On Christmas Eve, four people were killed and 25 were injured when the jeepney they were riding lost its brakes and fell into a creek in Brgy. Greenhills, North Cotabato.
Read: Jeepney crash in N. Cotabato leaves 4 dead
On Christmas Day, 20 people, including a 5-month-old baby, were killed and 26 were injured in a head-on collision between a private jeepney and a provincial bus in Agoo, La Union.
Read: 20 dead, 26 injured in Agoo, La Union crash
And early Tuesday morning, two motorcycle riders were killed when they were run over by a bus on Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City, while 10 were injured in Quezon province when the bus they were on fell into a ravine.
The LTFRB warned PUV operators of penalties.
“In the event of any accident involving your unit and if the initial findings would prove that you are at fault, the Board will issue a preventive suspension order on your franchise,” Lizada said.
She also advised PUV passengers to report incidents of reckless driving to the LTFRB’s social media accounts.
“Before boarding the PUV, take a picture of the plate number, so if your PUV driver refuses to heed your advice, please post to the LTFRB Twitter or Facebook account,” she said. “Tell us your exact city, municipality or province. We will take it from there.”
