169 Bontoc traffic violators; PNP urges road safety habits

By Alpine Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Town police recorded a total of 169 violators of the Municipal Traffic Ordinance.
    A total of P32, 000 was collected by the Office of the Municipal Treasurer due to the violation of the said ordinance from Jan. 16 to March 15.
    This, as the Bontoc Municipal Police Station urged motorists and drivers of road safety and urged barangay officials to inform their constituents to develop the habit of checking “BLOWBAGETS.”
    The PNP came up with the “BLOWBAGETS” -- acronym for a driver’s checklist meaning battery, lights, oil, water, break, air, gas, engine, tire, and self. 
    Maj. Joshua Mateo, town police chief make this appeal during the Municipal Peace and Order Council meeting March 16 in Barangay Caneo. 
    Mateo said from January 16 to March 15, eight non-index crimes and two index crimes were recorded.
    Of total non-index crimes, six were vehicular traffic accidents (VTAs) of related to intoxication. 
    Relative to these incidents, he said local police are intensifying their information education and communication campaign on responsible driving  
    He added. primary cause of road accidents is human error, such as miscalculation on overtaking and turning, overloading, driving under  influence of liquor and texting while driving. 
    Mateo said they regularly check terminals of public utility buses, public utility vans, public utility jeepney and parking lots to remind drivers and conductors to develop the habit of checking BLOWBAGETS.
    He added police set checkpoints and conduct foot patrol.
    Franklin Odsey, chairperson of MPOC urged drivers and motorists to follow traffic rules. 
    "I urge everyone to drive sober and plan a safe ride home before drinking at holiday celebrations and gatherings. Let us not be reckless drivers to avoid vehicular accidents and save lives and properties," Odsey added.