Dave Achondo ANOTHER dumb rule is set to be implemented. Rosaries and religious icons hanging from dashboards would be banned if they block the driver’s line of sight. However, the items can still be placed on the rear view mirror as long as these are coiled up so they don’t swing around, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Aileen Lizada, an LTFRB board member, said religious items such as rosaries should not be in the line of sight of a motorist. Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 prohibited drivers from having unauthorized accessories on dashboards or windshields. The funny thing is, looking at the rear view mirror itself is more of a distraction than these figurines. Let’s throw away the side mirrors for good measure because I have always seen them as a nuisance. When I look at my side or rear view mirror, I do not see what is in front of me. I have always been fascinated with the Pinoy practice of placing religious artifacts either on dashboards or hanging these on rear view mirrors because of the belief that these would guide or ensure a safe journey. The confusion following the implementation on May 19 of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act that focused on the use of communication devices and other electronic gadgets while driving, and was even extended to religious items on dashboards, was seen as questionable by many. I understand the part of LTFRB. It is trying to prevent accidents caused by distractions. But I wonder if including religious items would be reasonable. There are many drivers who made it a habit to touch the religious trinkets, make the sign of the cross and say short prayers every time they pass a church. I have been in many taxis and other PUVs in my lifetime, and they always do that. But I don’t see these as distractions. Again, looking at the rear view mirror is more of a distraction itself as you are focused on what is behind you. So, is the government going to ban the use of rear view mirror and side mirrors because these cause distraction? I doubt. I agree that it should be illegal for any driver to use a mobile phone and other devices while driving except when hands-free. That is an accident waiting to happen. But the LTFRB is missing the point by prohibiting the display of small religious trinkets in vehicles. Rosaries don’t cause road accidents. In most cases, mechanical problems and the drivers’ ignorance and abusive behavior on the road do. And there are no data to back up the claims that rosaries and religious trinkets cause accidents. Do not meddle with the drivers’ faith in God. Every time he touches these items, he wishes that he would have a safe travel for him and his passengers. This law may not really be enforced by the government at all. I see it as another overacting move, the same way some of Cagayan de Oro councilors propose irrational ordinances that do not really help anyone.