Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II urged lawmakers to pass a law that would criminalize road rage.

In a media forum, Mendoza highlighted the need for a “special law” to criminalize road rage, citing cases where suspect is acquitted due to absence of criminal intent in road rage related incidents.

The agency would finalize and release a list of recommendations related to this, including stronger penalties, in the next few weeks.

“If road rage can be criminalized under a special law then criminal intent will no longer be a defense,” Mendoza said.

He added that the most the LTO is able to do in some cases is suspend or revoke a person’s driver’s license.

Mendoza added the LTO is making changes in the requirements for the professional driver’s license in response to such incidents.

(We will be more strict in issuing professional driver’s licenses… the ones mainly for public transport)

Mendoza said consultations are ongoing on suggestions to require psychiatric assessments for driver’s licenses, adding it is not required in other territories.

He said that with around 30 million drivers nationwide, the LTO does not want to make the application process “unnecessarily” difficult.

According to the World Health Organization, road rage is responsible for approximately 1.9 million deaths per year.

Mendoza also said the LTO is putting together proper tips for drivers to avoid road rage and handle anger during the Holy Week.

Meanwhile, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) spokesperson Jason Salvador advised drivers to place a photo of their families in their cars to encourage them to drive safely.

(That will be a reminder. Before you make a rash decision or lose your temper, you will see your family… What will happen to your family if you are involved in road rage, right?)