Raising Awareness – What is the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013?
When an individual is under the influence of alcohol and prohibited drugs, it can impair driving ability which can slow coordination, reaction time, and even judgment, leading to severe accidents.
There are many reasons to avoid getting behind the wheel while drunk or under the influence of drugs aside from the apparent risk. As a car owner, you should know that it is against the law.
What is Republic Act No. 10586?
The Republic Act No. 10586 or the “Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 is meant to penalize individuals who are driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and other intoxicating substances. It was initially drafted into law in 2013 and was implemented in March 2015.
What is the coverage of the law?
It covers all acts of driving and operating a motor vehicle or any land vehicle like trucks, busses, motorcycles, and even two to three-wheeled motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol and dangerous drugs.
To further elaborate, the law prohibits driving while under the influence of alcohol, particularly wines, beer, and any distilled spirits that can cause intoxication upon consumption. It also forbids operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, specifically cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine hydrochloride, and prescription medication.
Under the act, people who are caught disobeying the law will be pulled over by a LEO or Law Enforcement Officer if they have probable cause to believe that an individual is indeed under the influence.
What will happen if a person is caught driving under the influence?
Apprehension will only happen due to the existence of probable cause. It means a LEO can penalize a driver if they have a reasonable ground to believe that a person is under the influence. These include personally witnessing overspeeding, swerving, and weaving to indicate intoxication.
Moreover, the evident smell of alcohol in a driver’s breath, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, flushed face, poor coordination, and difficulty holding a proper conversation can also constitute probable cause.
If you are caught defying the law, you will be subjected to various tests to determine sobriety at the time of the incident. These are the three Field Sobriety Tests:
- Eye test – also known as horizontal gaze nystagmus, refers to the procedure where an officer will ask the driver to follow a moving object such as a pen or the tip of a penlight from a distance. The involuntary jerkiness of the eyes is a common symptom that a person is under the influence.
- The Walk-and-Turn – the officer will require the driver to walk heel-to-toe along a straight line forward for nine steps, turn at the end, then return to the point of origin. Wobbliness or failure to complete the steps is an indicator of intoxication.
- The One-Leg Stand – the driver will be required to stand on either left or right leg with both arms on the side while keeping the other foot raised about six inches off the ground for half a minute.
Should a person fail to complete such tests, they will need to settle fines ranging from P20,000 to P80,000, a prison sentence, and a license suspension on the first offence. For the second offence, a driver license might be permanently revoked. If an individual is insured, it might also cause car insurance PH claims problems.
Conclusion
The law is meant to protect car owners and those who might get caught in an accident. It is a responsibility to ensure that you are not driving under the influence.
If you are with a company, find someone who did not drink or, better yet, take a cab home. Also, remember to have car insurance in the Philippines in case of unfortunate incidents that might cause costly repairs and bodily injuries.
Read More: Worst Road Accidents in the Philippines
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