BACOLOD City – Councilor Simplicia Distrito is urging traffic authorities here for a stern implementation of an existing city ordinance regulating the use of earphones while driving and crossing the street.
Councilor Simplicia Distrito passed a resolution last week enjoining the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office to bring back the muscle of City Ordinance No. 593 series of 2012.
“It has been observed that a lot of our motorists plying the streets of the city are using earphones or headsets that impair their sense of hearing while driving,” said the councilor.
Distrito noted that aside from motorists, pedestrians of all ages, particularly those roaming in the downtown and other business districts, are seen using earphones while crossing or walking along the streets which is very dangerous.
Distrito said BTAO should take the necessary action of apprehending these individuals not only that they violate our ordinance but also to ensure their safety.
She pointed out that reduction or elimination of distracted pedestrian injuries is an important and achievable policy goal.
According to Distrito, pedestrians who are distracted by phone conversations or other distracting activities, such as listening to music or texting, take greater risks when crossing roads, particularly in streets where there is a great mix of traffic./PN
