Driver’s academy pushed amid surge in road crashes

CEBU, Philippines — In response to the alarming rise in road crashes nationwide, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has proposed the establishment of a driver’s academy aimed at raising professional driving standards.

Transportation officials and safety experts point to widespread poor driving behavior, a lack of retraining, and regulatory shortcomings as key contributors to the increase in accidents.

Analysts also emphasize the absence of structured and continuous education for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers—many of whom operate with no standardized training beyond their initial licensing.

Currently, drivers are not required to undergo refresher courses, behavioral monitoring, or updated briefings on traffic laws once a license is issued.

According to road safety specialist Engr. Danilo Reyes, this is a “deeply rooted problem” in the preparation and regulation of professional drivers.

“There’s no continuing education, no behavioral monitoring, and no refresher courses on updated traffic laws. This creates a culture of recklessness and impunity,” Reyes said.

The LTFRB’s proposed Driver’s Academy seeks to institutionalize regular training for PUV drivers, focusing on defensive driving, traffic regulations, passenger safety, stress and fatigue management, and basic vehicle maintenance.

To ensure accountability, the academy plans to incorporate behavioral assessments and digital attendance tracking into its training modules.

“This is not just another seminar,” LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III explained.

“We envision a national institution that will define what it means to be a responsible, professional driver in the Philippines. If we want to save lives, we need to invest in the people behind the wheel,” he stressed.

According to the LTFRB, the initiative has received strong public support.

A transport reform coalition survey found that seven in 10 commuters favor mandatory periodic training for PUV drivers as a requirement for franchise renewal or operating permits.

Lawmakers are also taking action, with a bill reportedly in development to require driver’s academy certification for all PUV operators.

The proposed policy aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to reform public transport standards and enhance commuter safety.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon reaffirmed the Department of Transportation’s commitment to implementing initiatives consistent with the President’s vision for a safer, more reliable, and commuter-centered transport system.

Backed by data and broad public backing, the driver’s academy is widely viewed as a crucial step in improving road safety and professional driving standards. However, experts caution that swift action is essential.

“If we do nothing, we’ll lose more lives—not just in numbers, but in preventable, senseless tragedies,” Reyes warned.

With heavier traffic expected in the coming months—particularly in Metro Manila and other urban centers like Cebu—the LTFRB’s driver’s academy stands out as a timely and essential initiative, paving the way for safer roads, one trained and accountable driver at a time. FPL