Heavy traffic in the Philippines, especially in metropolitan areas like Metro Manila, is a significant issue, with one of the major contributors being the behavior of Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers. These drivers often engage in practices that disrupt the smooth flow of traffic, leading to congestion. Their behavior is influenced by the high demand for public transportation and the competition to pick up more passengers quickly.
PUV drivers contribute to heavy traffic primarily through various traffic violations. These include illegal loading and unloading, disregarding traffic signals, and speeding, among others. Each violation not only creates immediate traffic disruptions but also increases the risk of accidents, which further exacerbates congestion. In this guide, we looked into the common traffic violations by PUV drivers that exacerbate heavy traffic. After all, addressing these issues requires strict enforcement of traffic laws and increased driver education.
What is a PUV driver?
A Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) driver operates public utility vehicles (PUVs) such as jeepneys, buses, and taxis, providing essential transportation services to the public in the Philippines. These drivers are crucial for daily commutes, especially in densely populated areas where public transportation is the primary mode of travel for many people. PUV drivers play a vital role in the economy by ensuring the mobility of the workforce and the general population.
Despite their importance, PUV drivers often commit traffic violations due to the competitive and demanding nature of their work. They face pressure to quickly pick up and drop off as many passengers as possible to maximize their earnings. This leads to behaviors such as illegal loading and unloading, speeding, and disregarding traffic signals. While these actions can momentarily benefit their income, they ultimately contribute to traffic congestion and pose safety risks.
Common Traffic Violations Committed by PUV Drivers
PUV drivers are essential for daily commuting, but their driving practices are far from ideal. In fact, most of the time, they are the main contributors to traffic congestion. They frequently commit various traffic violations in their bid to quickly pick up and drop off passengers. Here are some of the most common traffic violations committed by PUV drivers that worsen the already heavy traffic:
1. Illegal Loading and Unloading
PUV drivers often stop outside designated zones to load and unload passengers, disregarding other motorists’ right of way. This act disrupts traffic flow and endangers the safety of passengers and other motorists. This violation is covered under Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Regulation No. 04-003, which mandates loading and unloading should only occur in designated zones.
Penalty:
- MMDA
- Php 500 for the first, second, and third offenses of Loading and Unloading in Areas not Specified as Loading and Unloading
- Zones.
- LTO
- Php 1,000 for the first, second, and third offenses.
2. Disregarding Traffic Signals (DTS)
PUV drivers frequently violate traffic lights, especially by beating the red light when they see the yellow light flashing. This reckless behavior increases the risk of accidents and disrupts synchronized traffic flow. This is a violation of Republic Act No. 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Penalty:
- LTO
- Php 1,000 for the first, second, and third offenses.
3. Distracted Driving
Engaging in conversations with passengers, eating, answering phone calls, or texting while driving significantly reduces reaction time, leading to erratic driving patterns that cause traffic slowdowns and accidents. This is a violation of Republic Act No. 10913, otherwise known as the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA)
Penalty:
- LTO
- First offense: Php 5,000.
- Second offense: Php 10,000.
- Third offense: Php 15,000 plus a three-month suspension of the driver’s license.
- Beyond the third offense: Php 20,000 plus revocation of the driver’s license.
4. Speeding
To attract more passengers by subtly promising quicker trips, many PUV drivers resort to speeding. The offense should be technically referred to as “driving over the speed limit,” rather than the non-technical term “overspeeding,” to clearly convey the prohibited nature of the act. Speeding violations should consider factors such as “unsafe speed,” “posted speed,” and “prima facie” speed limits in specific areas like residential streets and school zones. Since traffic enforcement focuses on safety, one can still be cited for traveling at an unsafe speed even if below the posted limit under certain conditions like during heavy rain. This behavior is a violation of MMDA Memorandum Circular No. 11-001 and RA 10916 or the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016, and it increases the risk of accidents while creating a chaotic traffic environment.
Penalty:
- MMDA
- Php 1,200 for the first, second, and third offenses.
- LTO
- First offense: Php 1,000.
- Second offense: Php 2,000.
- Third and subsequent offenses: Php 2,000 with a seminar.
5. Swerving
This refers to the indiscriminate and unsafe lane changes (swerving) which disrupt traffic flow and increase the likelihood of collisions, which can cause major traffic jams. Swerving is not a traffic violation per se according to the MMDA, but it can be considered reckless driving if done carelessly, without signals, or across solid lines. Swerving can also be classified as Disregarding Traffic Signs if it violates explicit no-swerve signs. This violation is also covered by RA 4136.
Penalty:
- Reckless Driving
- MMDA: Php 300 for the first, second, and third offenses.
- LTO: Php 1,000 for the first, second, and third offenses.
- DTS
- Php 1,000 for the first, second, and third offenses.
6. Tailgating
This refers to the act of following other vehicles too closely, especially on super highways, reduces reaction time to sudden stops, often leading to rear-end collisions that create massive traffic blockages. Not observing safe following or braking distance, generally practiced as the three second rule, is considered reckless driving under RA 4136.
Penalty:
- MMDA
- Php 300 for the first, second, and third offenses.
7. Counterflow
As the name implies, this happens when a PUV driver drives against the flow of traffic (counterflow). It is a problem as it poses a grave danger to all road users and causes significant traffic disruptions as other drivers slow down or stop to avoid collisions. In fact, both RA 4136 and MMDA Reg. No. 97-003 strictly prohibits this practice.
Penalty:
- MMDA
- First offense: Php 2,000 plus a three-month suspension of the driver’s license.
- Second offense: Php 2,000 plus a six-month suspension of the driver’s license.
- Third offense: Php 2,000 plus revocation of the driver’s license.
8. Stopping on Pedestrian Crosswalks
Some PUV drivers unlawfully stop on pedestrian crosswalks to wait for passengers, blocking pedestrian paths and disrupting traffic flow. This is also prohibited and is explicitly said so if you would read through the provisions of RA 4136.
Penalty:
- LTO
- Php 1,000 for the first, second, and third offenses.
9. Delaying Movement on Green Lights
PUV drivers often delay movement when the traffic light turns green to wait for more passengers, which holds up traffic behind them and contributes to congestion.
Penalty:
- MMDA
- Php 500 for the first, second, and third offenses.
10. Open Doors
Operating with open doors is unsafe and illegal, posing a risk to passengers and nearby vehicles and disrupting the smooth flow of traffic, according to RA 4136 and MMDA Regulation No. 04-003.
Penalty:
- MMDA
- Failing to Keep Doors Closed Between Designated Stops: Php 150 for the first, second, and third offenses.
- For PUVs with Conductor: Php 1,000
- For PUVs without Conductor: Php 1,000
- Penalties for Physical Defects
- Owner/Operator Fines: Php 1,000 for the following damages:
- defective non-operable doors
- defective/broken center bolt
- misaligned body
- broken windshield
- damaged windows
- damaged windshield
- broken suspension, and
- other analogous defects
- Vehicle impounded if the fine is not paid within seven days.
- If defects are not rectified upon redemption, the vehicle will be re-impounded with an additional fine of Php 5,000 plus impounding fees.
Persons Liable:
- Buses with Only One Door: Driver pays the fines.
- Buses with Two Doors:
- Front Door: Driver pays the fine.
- Back Door: Conductor pays the fine.
Impact on Traffic Flow
These violations by PUV drivers lead to a cascade of problems, including the following:
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Reckless behaviors like speeding, swerving, and disregarding traffic signals often lead to accidents, which cause significant traffic delays as lanes get blocked.
- Disrupted Traffic Flow: Illegal loading and unloading, stopping on pedestrian crosswalks, and delaying movement on green lights disrupt the natural flow of traffic, causing congestion.
- Safety Hazards: Distracted driving and operating with open doors create unsafe conditions not just for the passengers of the PUVs but for all road users.
- Road Rage: Road rage incidents also often arise from these traffic violations, as frustrated drivers react aggressively to the reckless and disruptive behavior of PUV drivers.
Enforcement and Education
To mitigate these issues, stringent enforcement of traffic laws is essential. Authorities must increase patrols and install more traffic cameras to catch violators in the act. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate PUV drivers about the importance of following traffic laws for the safety and efficiency of roadways.
Educating PUV drivers on the impacts of their actions and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations can significantly improve road safety. Collaboration between the government, traffic authorities, and the public is key to addressing these traffic issues effectively.
Video: Most Common Traffic Violations in the Philippines
For a visual understanding of how common traffic violations contribute to the notoriously heavy traffic in the Philippines, watch this informative video from Jeff Ski. The footage highlights typical infractions and their immediate impact on traffic flow and safety. This video also emphasizes the need for stricter enforcement and driver education to improve road conditions.
Summary
Addressing the traffic violations of PUV drivers is crucial to reducing heavy traffic in the Philippines. By enforcing existing laws and educating drivers, we can create a safer and more efficient road environment. Adhering to traffic regulations not only benefits individual drivers and passengers but also contributes to the overall improvement of urban mobility.