Manila bans phone use while driving

Manila bans phone use while driving

MANILA (AP): Authorities have banned the use of cellular
phones while driving in metropolitan Manila to prevent accidents
on the road.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said yesterday
the ban took effect last Saturday and violators would be fined
200 pesos (US$8).

Traffic enforcers have reported that many vehicular accidents
have been caused by drivers talking on their cellular phones and
not paying attention to the road.

Cellular phone use has increased dramatically in recent years,
particularly in the capital, Manila, as a result of a resurgent
Philippine economy and the liberalization of the
telecommunications industry.