Revised Anti Distracted Act Already Out
After the recent confusion and the negative feedback that caused the
suspension of RA 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act after it was
implemented, let's see what actions that the Department of Transportation
has been taking to resolve the issues regarding the said act.
The Department of Transportation recently met with its Technical Working
Group or TWG to resolve and revise the issues regarding the Implementing
Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving
Act.
After a long deliberation period, the TWG agreed and proposed that
smartphones in navigation mode can be placed on top of the center of the
dashboard. The proposal also says that the phone in navigation mode should
not exceed more than 3.0" inches in height from the highest point of the
center of the dashboard so there wouldn't be any distraction in the
driver's field of view.
Asec. Leah Quiambao, Department of Transportation
"Ito po ang nagging produkto ng aming consultations with AAP, with CAMPI,
with WHO, pati 'yung ating mga motoring journalists, even 'yung regular
jeepney and PUV drivers. Tinest din namin na kung talagang even on a
practical use, 'yung four inches is appropriate. We even have a statement
from AAP that four inches from the dashboard is still a safe zone, hindi
'yung within the line of sight ng driver."
The TWG adds that this also means that the phones will have to be securely
mounted in a landscape manner.
Asec. Leah Quiambao, Department of Transportation
"In the case of the navigational apps, motorists are advised to set their
destination prior to their departure."
The DOTr TWG highlighted that the IRR of RA 10913 include prohibition of
holding or using a mobile phone while driving unless the vehicle is parked,
meaning changes made to apps like Waze and Google Maps will have to be done
in the same manner.
The DOTr says that this is not yet the final revision as the department is
still taking the other matters into consideration. The department says that
they will publish the new IRR for RA 10913 as soon as it is completed.
There are still a lot of other matters to be discussed and factors to be
considered regarding the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, but it's good to know
that the revision is ongoing and important issues are being studied.