RHPU4-A CONDUCTS TERMINAL INSPECTIONS, DRUG TEST ON PUV DRIVERS

MEMBERS of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 4A conducted simultaneous inspection to all bus stations in the entire region to determine their operational readiness in preparation to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) and All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2.

Records showed road crash Incidents in Calabarzon recorded 20,092 for the calendar year 2022 and 36,352 incidents from January 1 to October 15, 2023.

The increasing trend of road crash incidents is attributed to reckless driving perpetrated by drivers that resulted in 657 deaths in 2022 and 499 in 2023.

As the Guardians of the Highways, RHPU4A regional chief Col. Rommel Estolano reminded bus operators and drivers to religiously observe the acronym BLOWBAGETS. It is a simple checklist that all drivers can follow to ensure that they are in good condition to drive and that their vehicles are roadworthy.

BLOWBAGETS stands for BATTERY, LIGHTS, OIL, WATER, BREAK, AIR, GAS, ENGINE, TIRE, and SELF

To ensure the safety and security of the riding public commuters and motorists, voluntary drug tests for all drivers and operators were initiated regionwide to determine whether there are drivers who are using illegal drugs as stimulants to make them awake while performing their jobs.

As a result, one driver in the province of Quezon was found positive for drug use and eventually turned over to the bus company management for disciplinary actions.

Traffic enforcers implementing traffic laws and regulations was also included in the drug test to achieve the quest to implement drug-free workplace policies and program for the local government unit and private sectors.

“This shows the testament of this unit’s unwavering commitment to ensuring road safety through the leadership of Brig. Gen. Alan Nazarro, director of the Highway Patrol Group while religiously observing the BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan) program of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos and in line with the thrust of the chief PNP’s strategy of implementing aggressive and honest law enforcement measures to combat carnapping, highway robbery, and other forms of criminality along the highways,” Estolano said