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.