By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday summoned a rider for performing a “wheelie” stunt while driving on a public road that went viral on social media.
In a statement, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the stunt — which involves lifting the front wheel while balancing on the rear wheel of a motorcycle — is not only dangerous, but the rider also failed to wear a standard protective helmet and proper footwear, in addition to having no side mirrors.
The motorcycle used in the incident was also found to be unregistered.
In response, the LTO issued a show cause order (SCO) to the registered owner and the driver of the motorcycle to appear before the Intelligence and Investigative Division (IID) of the LTO Central Office and explain why they should not be penalized.
Lacanilao noted that such incidents cause alarm to the public due to their potential to result in an accident.
“Kapag ginawa ito sa mga lansangang ginagamit ng publiko, hindi lamang sarili ang isinasapanganib kundi pati ang buhay ng ibang tao. Hindi natin hahayaang maging normal o katanggap-tanggap ang ganitong uri ng pag-uugali sa kalsada (If such stunts are performed on public roads, this would not only endanger the driver but also the lives of other people. We won’t let such street behavior become normal or acceptable),” he said.
To date, the motorcycle involved in the incident has been placed on alarm while the license of the rider has been suspended for 90 days and must be immediately surrendered to the LTO IID.
Lacanilao emphasized that being a responsible driver is not measured through driving skills but instead through their respect for other motorists.
“Nananatiling pinakamahalaga pa rin ang pagsunod sa batas at ang pagpapakita ng wastong asal sa lansangan (What is paramount is obedience to law and showing proper behavior on the road),” he said. (PNA)
