By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has suspended and started investigating the driver of a white Toyota Fortuner that was caught recklessly overtaking and nearly sideswiping a cyclist in a video that went viral on social media.
In a statement on Wednesday, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the penalty and investigation are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to ensure accountability for abusive drivers and traffic law breakers.
“Paulit-ulit po nating pinapaalala, maging maingat sa pagmamaneho sa lahat ng pagkakataon at magbigay konsiderasyon sa mga gumagamit ng kalsada. Maging disiplinado po tayong road user at huwag maging abusadong driver (We always remind the public, always drive carefully and give consideration to other road users. Let’s be disciplined and not be abusive drivers),” Lopez said.
A show cause order was issued to the registered owner of the SUV with plate number AQA4678 and the driver to summon them to a hearing with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on March 16.
They were asked to submit a notarized comment or explanation why they should not be administratively charged for reckless driving and for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
The owner and driver face possible suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.
To date, the vehicle has also been placed on alarm to prevent all transactions with the LTO.
In the video posted by Visor on Facebook, a cyclist was riding along D. Galvez Street in Pasay City when a white SUV on the opposite lane attempted to overtake two tricycles at a dangerous speed.
The cyclist was able to stop and avoid a collision with the speeding vehicle. (PNA)
