The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has ramped up its efforts to promote safer roads nationwide by issuing Show Cause Orders (SCO) to 24 truck owners found operating vehicles with dangerously worn-out tires.
The crackdown comes as part of the agency’s renewed focus on roadworthiness, aiming to protect drivers, passengers, and other road users.
Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, LTO Chief, highlighted the gravity of the issue. “We have observed a troubling disregard for road safety by some truck owners,” Mendoza said. “Worn-out tires pose a severe risk, not only to the truck drivers but also to everyone else sharing the road.”
Worn-Out Tires: A Major Safety Hazard
During routine operations, LTO enforcers discovered the 24 trucks in violation of road safety regulations due to the use of worn-out tires. Such tires significantly increase the risk of accidents, particularly for large, heavy vehicles like trucks that require optimal equipment to ensure control and stability.
Assec Mendoza emphasized that the agency’s actions align with directives from DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista to enhance road safety. “Our aggressive campaign against trucks with questionable roadworthiness is part of the broader initiative to make roads safer for all users,” Mendoza stated.
Show Cause Orders and Compliance Measures
The 24 truck owners are required to bring their vehicles to the nearest LTO office for a roadworthiness inspection. Additionally, they must submit a written and notarized explanation detailing why they should not face charges under Republic Act 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Director Eduardo de Guzman of the LTO-Law Enforcement Service signed the SCOs, underscoring the urgency of compliance. The trucks in question have been placed under alarm, meaning they cannot be legally operated until passing inspection and satisfying all regulatory requirements.
A Wake-Up Call for Truck Owners
This latest enforcement effort is part of the LTO’s response to a string of accidents caused by poorly maintained vehicles, including the recent Katipunan Flyover incident, which left four people dead and over 20 others injured. Mendoza issued a stern warning to truck drivers and operators:
“We would like to remind everyone to follow the law. What is at stake here is the life and safety of all road users. The days of lax enforcement are over. Those caught violating safety standards will face significant consequences.”
The campaign targets common violations such as worn-out tires, faulty brakes, and overloading—factors often contributing to road mishaps.
Advocacy for Safer Roads
The crackdown on erring trucks forms part of the LTO’s Stop Road Crash advocacy, which aims to minimize traffic accidents through stricter enforcement and heightened awareness. The advocacy also calls on all motorists to prioritize vehicle maintenance and compliance with road safety regulations.
Looking Ahead
With road accidents being a leading cause of fatalities in the Philippines, the LTO’s intensified measures against non-compliant vehicles signify a crucial step in fostering a culture of safety. The agency encourages truck owners and operators to proactively inspect their fleets and address any safety concerns to avoid penalties and, more importantly, prevent accidents.
By holding violators accountable, the LTO hopes to send a strong message: Road safety is non-negotiable. As the agency continues its campaign, the public can expect stricter enforcement, ensuring that vehicles on the road meet the highest standards of safety.