LTFRB Pushes for National Driver’s Academy for PUV Safety
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is advancing plans to establish a national driver’s academy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. This initiative aims to provide mandatory defensive driving training and regular refresher courses. The LTFRB envisions this academy as a key step toward improving road safety and addressing the root causes of road rage and reckless driving.
LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III explained that the academy will not only teach traffic rules and passenger safety but also cover stress and fatigue management, vehicle maintenance, and behavioral assessments. In addition, the program will utilize digital attendance tracking to ensure compliance and accountability.
“This will institutionalize regular education for public utility vehicle drivers but this is not just another seminar. We envision a national institution that will define what it means to be a responsible, professional driver in the Philippines,” Guadiz said. “If we want to save lives, we need to invest in the people behind the wheel.”
Addressing Long-Term Road Safety Challenges
The creation of the national driver’s academy aligns with President Marcos’ directive to implement sustainable solutions that reduce road fatalities and protect commuters. Recent fatal crashes have raised concerns about weak government interventions and highlighted poor driving behavior, insufficient retraining, and regulatory gaps as key factors.
Transportation experts have noted the absence of continuous, structured education programs for PUV drivers. Many professional drivers currently operate without undergoing standardized training beyond their initial licensing, compounding safety risks on busy roads.
Guadiz acknowledged the lack of any national requirement for refresher courses, behavioral monitoring, or updated traffic law briefings after a license is granted. The new driver’s academy would fill this critical gap by institutionalizing ongoing education and assessments.
Public Support and Future Prospects
Public response to the proposal has been encouraging. A recent survey by a transport reform coalition revealed that 70% of commuters support mandatory periodic training for PUV drivers as a condition for renewing their franchises or permits. This data-backed support strengthens the case for the academy as a foundation for raising road safety standards nationwide.
“With heavier traffic expected in Metro Manila and other urban centers, the LTFRB’s Driver’s Academy is a crucial intervention for safer roads, one trained and accountable driver at a time,” Guadiz added.
While details about the academy’s regional presence remain unclear, the initiative marks a pivotal move toward professionalizing PUV drivers and enhancing commuter safety.
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