If you’ve spent enough time driving in the provinces, chances are you’ve already been forced to the side of the road by a speeding commuter bus. It’s a familiar sight. A bus driver attempts a risky overtake, swings into the opposite lane, and expects everyone else to get out of the way.

This is exactly why dashcams have become such an important tool. They provide clear evidence that authorities can use to go after reckless drivers. More often than not, action only happens because motorists and netizens take the time to report these incidents.

The latest example involves a passenger bus operated by San Jose Del Monte Transport Corp. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against the company after one of its buses was caught on a now-viral video dangerously counterflowing into oncoming traffic.

Based on the footage, the bus serving the Sapang Palay-NIA route appeared to force its way into the opposite lane to overtake amid heavy traffic. The driver eventually returned to the proper lane, but not before getting into an alleged heated argument with the driver of the private vehicle that captured the incident.

“The decision of the netizens to inform us of the video played a key role for us here in the LTFRB to take action on this incident. As soon as we watched the video, we immediately issued an SCO to the bus company… This is not a minor road violation. We in the LTFRB always consider violation of road safety rules and regulations of public utility vehicle drivers as serious because it involves the life and limb of passengers,” said LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II.

The bus company has been ordered to explain, through a notarized submission, why it should not be penalized for employing a reckless driver and its operating permits revoked. It was also directed to submit its driver training program and proof of compliance with the requirement to exercise extraordinary diligence.

A hearing has been set for July 9, and the LTFRB warned the bus company that skipping it could result in further sanctions. The agency added that it has so far issued more than 700 SCOs against transport operators as it steps up enforcement of road safety rules and passenger welfare standards across the country.