LTO summons TV host caught driving without seatbelt, hopping off car while on road
The Land Transportation Office has issued a show-cause order against the driver who was caught on video driving without a seatbelt and getting out of the car while it was on the road.
According to the LTO, a viral video showed the driver having fun while singing and dancing to Dati in the car with three companions. At one point, the driver hopped off the vehicle to dance beside the SUV, leaving his door open. After a few seconds, he got back inside and closed the door.
The LTO ordered the driver and the registered owner of the SUV to appear at the Intelligence and Investigation Division on Sept. 29 for a hearing. They were also required to submit a sworn statement about the incident, including other documents that could shed more light on the driver's actions.
Additionally, they were asked to explain why the driver should not be charged with failure to wear the prescribed seatbelt device and reckless driving, and why he should not be declared an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. The last charge may result in a suspension or revocation of his license.
As the investigation is ongoing, the driver's license is currently under a 90-day preventive suspension, with the vehicle placed under alarm status.
"Walang masama sa pag-content at pagsasaya sa loob ng sasakyan, pero hindi kailanman dapat isantabi ang kaligtasan para dito. Bilang lisensyadong drayber, alam niya ang kanyang responsibilidad na magsuot ng seatbelt, manatiling nakatuon sa pagmamaneho, at sumunod sa iba pang umiiral na batas-trapiko," LTO Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said in a statement.
The LTO did not disclose the identity of the driver in its statement, though social media users linked the incident to Eat Bulaga! co-host Ian Red from a video posted on the Facebook page of fellow host Maine Mendoza. However, it doesn't show the moment Red actually hops off the SUV.
