Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – Tinkering with genius devices, particularly cell phones, is a favorite pastime of Filipinos. Do it while driving and it’s a sure recipe for serious injury and sometimes death.
While mobile devices are getting smarter, some motorists these days apparently are becoming less.
Certainly, there is no excuse for driving while not paying attention. Safe driving is a full-time job.
Beyond texting, there are other activities people do with their cell phones when behind the wheel. This includes browsing the Internet, posting their status on Facebook and Twitter, taking selfies and even filming the road.
The National Statistics Office (NSO), in its 2015 report, showed that using cellular phones while driving has been one of the top causes of traffic accidents.
The report revealed that from 2010 to 2012, a total of 1,290 incidents of cell phone use while driving were reported.
Although similar accidents are dropping over the years, the figures remain disturbing.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said, that of the many incidents of car crashes he had investigated, he could not recall a single driver openly admitted that cell phone use was the cause of an accident.
“One time I was helping a crash victim… And I saw he was still holding his cell phone and seemingly texting someone when the accident happened,” he said. “Napailing na lang ako. Sabi ko, malamang nagtetext ito.”
This revelation shows the challenge that authorities face combating distracted driving caused by texting and cell phone use because they only have to rely on self-reporting, making it difficult for them to measure crash data.
In a phone interview with CNN Philippines, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said: “Accidents are everywhere. Hindi mapipigilan. Wala rin naman aamin na gumagamit sila ng cell phone while driving.”
He reminded motorists that driving while texting is a traffic violation.
“Obey traffic rules. Driving while using your cell phone is already a violation,” he said.
The MMDA chairman also offers the following tips to avoid accidents:
1. Focus on the road when driving. If you really have to use your phone, go to the nearest gasoline station or emergency bay.
2. Use defensive driving.
