WITH Christmas and the New Year only a few days away, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has shifted into full gear on its road safety initiatives with the implementation of the Department of Transportation (DOTr)-LTO Oplan Pasko 2022.
The oplan aims to help ensure the safety, security, and convenience of passengers, drivers, and all users of the country’s roads during Christmas and New Year, one of the busiest, if not the busiest, times of the year in terms of road usage.
“It is this time of the year where the usage of our country’s roads is at its peak, but discipline on the road must still be maintained so that travelers feel safe in their journey. There is no excuse not to practice of road safety. It is very important in order to avoid road crashes and injuries to people, damage to property, and of course, prevent fatalities,” according to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo “Jay Art” Tugade.
At present, under the directive of LTO Chief Tugade, all regional offices of the LTO are actively conducting numerous activities in implementing Oplan Pasko 2022. Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) are conducting terminal and roadside inspections to determine the road worthiness of motor vehicles, traffic flow monitoring, dissemination of information on the country’s land transportation laws, rules, and regulations to prevent the occurrence of road crashes, including providing assistance to both motorists and passengers.
And since the country is still in a state of national health emergency, LTO personnel will ensure that health and safety protocols like proper wearing of face masks in areas where it must be used, physical distancing, and proper hygiene through washing of hands will continue to be observed.
“In the last two years, we were not able to go to places to hold parties or go on vacation and visit our families. Now, we have the opportunity to travel, but it should be done safely so that every family can celebrate Christmas peacefully, safely, happy and whole,” LTO Chief Tugade added.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Land Transportation Office)