Manila: House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos of Ilocos Norte has introduced a legislative measure aimed at classifying road rage as a criminal offense, imposing stricter penalties for aggressive driving, and reinforcing the message that public roads should not serve as venues for intimidation or violence.
According to Philippines News Agency, House Bill (HB) 8190, also known as the proposed Anti Road Rage Act, seeks to distinguish ordinary traffic violations from deliberate actions that endanger lives. The bill emphasizes the principle of public safety, highlighting that when anger is expressed on the road, it often affects more than just the parties involved, impacting ordinary commuters, passengers, and pedestrians.
Marcos underscored the importance of curbing road rage, noting, "We cannot allow road rages to continue on our roads, because one reckless decision can turn into a lifelong tragedy for an innocent family." The proposed legislation aims to establish accountability that is both punitive and corrective, especially in an era where viral road rage incidents often normalize aggressive behavior.
HB 8190 characterizes road rage as any deliberate and aggressive act by a driver or passenger, stemming from a traffic incident, intended to intimidate, threaten, or harm another road user, thereby posing a danger to life, limb, or property.
Under the proposed law, offenders may face up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to PHP100,000, or both, if the road rage incident does not result in damage, injury, or death. Should the incident lead to property damage or physical injury, penalties increase to up to four years of imprisonment or a fine of up to PHP200,000, or both.
For offenses resulting in serious physical injuries or death, the perpetrator would be prosecuted for intentional felonies under the Revised Penal Code, with maximum penalties imposed and an additional fine between PHP200,000 and PHP500,000.
The bill outlines aggravating circumstances warranting maximum penalties, such as when the offender uses or brandishes a deadly weapon or firearm, or when the victim is a minor, pregnant woman, senior citizen, or person with disabilities. Similar penalties apply if the offender is a uniformed officer responsible for upholding law and order.
During investigations, the accused's driver's license would be immediately suspended, and if found liable, they would be permanently barred from obtaining a driver's license. If the offender possesses a firearm license, it would be automatically revoked, with a permanent ban on securing any firearm license.
