Bill filed to add Road Safety and Driver's Ed to K-12

Sanator wants to educate children about road safety in schools

Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla, Jr., has filed Senate Bill 451 or "An act requiring the teaching of basic road safety and comprehensive driver's education as part of the curriculum of the K-12 program, and for other purposes."

Under the proposed law, the Department of Education (DepEd) will coordinate with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), University of the Philippines National Center for Transportation Studies and various road safety advocates and organizations to develop a basic road safety curriculum conducive for students which shall include, but not limited to: the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians and commuters in their use of all types of road transportation, road awareness, road signage, and responsible commuting as well as driving rules and regulations, driving courtesy, driving safety, road hazards and vehicle safety features.

“It is alarming to note that a lot of adults today have little or no knowledge of basic road safety and traffic rules and regulations,” said Senator Bong Revilla on his proposed law's explanatory note. He further added that “It is high time, therefore, that we address this deficiency and drive towards safer roads by producing more well-rounded individuals thereby increasing also the safety and efficiency of road traffic.”

To implement this Act if it becomes a law, the funds will be sourced from the Road Safety Fund of the Motor Vehicle User's Charge (MVUC) that motor vehicle owners pay to the LTO.