Press Release
July 19, 2007

Villar bats for law on use of hands-free devices while driving

Alarmed by the increasing number of vehicular accidents involving the use of cellular phones, Senate President Manny Villar proposed to pass a law that will require the use of hands-free devices while driving.

"It is imperative to promote the responsible use of cellular phones while driving and promote driver awareness of the dangers of road traffic in order to curb the rising statistics on cell phone-related accidents," Villar said.

Senate Bill 96 or the Hands-free Device Act prohibits the use of cellular phones while driving a motor vehicle unless such cellular phone is equipped with a hands-free device.

The president of the Nacionalista Party said "the increasing number of vehicular accidents involving the use of cellular phones while driving transforms this technological gadget into a dangerous device."

Villar also cited the study conducted by the Harvard University stating that this year at least 2,600 deaths and 330,000 injuries could result from drivers using cell phones.

"The danger is not only to the lives and limbs of the general driving public but also to the innocent pedestrians," Villar said.

The bill proposes a minimum fine of P100 but not to exceed P1,000 for the first violation; P200-P2,000 for the second violation; P500 to P5,000 and suspension of driver's license for a period of one week for the third and succeeding violations.

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