Driver Suspended for 90 Days After Viral Video Shows Car Stopping on NLEX
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a Show Cause Order to the registered owner and driver of a Toyota Vios after a video of their actions on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) spread widely on social media.
In the video, the car can be seen stopping directly on the expressway, where vehicles usually travel at high speed. A passenger then got out of the car and picked up the body of a dog that had been hit and was lying in the middle of the road. The video, which was first shared on a Facebook page, quickly went viral and caught the attention of many people online.
According to the LTO, stopping in the middle of an expressway can be dangerous and may violate traffic rules. The agency explained that the driver’s action could be considered reckless driving and obstruction of traffic because suddenly stopping on a high-speed road can put other motorists in danger. Because of this, the LTO temporarily suspended the driver’s license for 90 days while the case is being reviewed. The vehicle involved in the incident has also been placed under alarm status as part of the process.
The registered owner and the driver were asked to submit a notarized written explanation along with other required documents. These will be reviewed during a formal hearing as part of the investigation. The agency also warned that if they fail to attend the scheduled hearing, it will be considered a waiver of their right to explain their side. If that happens, the LTO will make a decision based solely on the evidence already available.
Online reactions to the incident have been mixed. Some people believe the driver only wanted to prevent possible accidents by removing the animal from the road, saying the act came from concern for other motorists. However, others pointed out that even if the intention was good, suddenly stopping in the middle of an expressway is risky and could have caused a bigger accident.