Lawmakers files Anti-Road Rage bill in Congress

Due to recent incidents becoming viral on the news as well as on social media, road rage, and its deadly effects are now an ongoing discussion in the Philippines. The catalyst of this discussion would be a recent incident involving a dismissed Quezon City police officer who pulled a handgun against a cyclist during a confrontation along Quezon Avenue. 

As more videos of road rage incidents come to light, a bill has been recently filed in Congress seeking to impose steep penalties on motorists involved in road rage. House Bill (HB) 8991, titled the Anti-Road Rage Act, was co-authored by Representatives Erwin Tulfo, Edvic Yap, Jocelyn Tulfo, Eric Yap, and Ralph Tulfo. Should it pass into law, this legislation will bear the official name of the Anti-Road Rage Act.

As defined by HB 8991, road rage is “the aggressive, hostile or violent behavior in traffic or on the road by a motorist.” These actions encompass a range of behaviors, which comprises making aggressive hand gestures towards another individual or passenger, uttering profanities or engaging in verbal abuse, physically assaulting someone or attempting to do so, and issuing threats or intimidation.

Additionally, this category includes reckless driving, the use of force against another individual, and similar situations, covering any actions falling under the Revised Penal Code and other Special Penal Laws that may be deemed applicable.

Individuals found guilty of causing death through acts of road rage will face a prison sentence ranging from six to 12 years and a fine between P250,000 to P500,000, as determined by the court, on top of any incurred damages. HB 8991 also details that the driver’s licenses of motorists engaging in road rage will be revoked and they will not be allowed to renew their license for the next five years after being proven guilty. The lawmakers further added that any government official or employee involved in road rage will be permanently banned from government service.

Furthermore, the bill grants the government the authority, through relevant legal and law enforcement entities, to pursue road rage offenders on behalf of victims who because of coercion or fear may be unable or unwilling to pursue legal action. Victims are also allowed to pursue legal action separate from cases filed by the government.

Before hitting the road, aside from remembering to keep a firm grip on one’s steering wheel, we should also keep a firm grip on our emotions. No amount of bad driving or provocation is enough to justify violence over fellow motorists. Keep your eyes on the road and a very tight lid on your head while on the road.