Update: LTO issues SCO to driver; NLEX says sudden stop high risk to road users

LTO issues Show Cause Order after driver’s dangerous stop in the middle of NLEX

By now, you’ve probably seen the viral video of a motorist who stopped in the middle of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to move a dog’s carcass off the road. Yes, compassion for animals matters, and no one’s arguing against that. But common sense should always prevail, especially on a high-speed expressway.

Stopping dead in the middle of NLEX isn’t just risky, it’s downright dangerous. Vehicles move at expressway speeds, and any sudden stops leave drivers behind with barely a second to react, forcing them to slam on the brakes and swerve to avoid a crash. In an instant, what may have been a well-intentioned act could have spiraled into a multi-vehicle collision.

In road safety, human lives always come first, no exceptions, and that’s precisely why the Land Transportation Office (LTO) moved swiftly to issue a Show Cause Order (SCO) against the driver seen in the viral video.

According to LTO, an SCO has been issued to the driver of a Toyota Vios over the February 26, 2026, incident at the NLEX, where the vehicle was seen stopping in the middle of the expressway, and a passenger stepped out to retrieve a dead animal from the road. The agency said the act may fall under “Reckless Driving” and “Obstruction of Traffic.”

The driver’s license has also been placed under a 90-day preventive suspension, while the vehicle has been put on alarm status pending investigation. The owner and driver were also directed to submit a notarized affidavit with supporting documents explaining why the license should not be suspended or revoked. Failure to appear at the scheduled hearing will be treated as a waiver of their right to be heard, and the case will be decided based on the evidence on record.

NLEX Corp: sudden stop high risk to road users

We reached out to NLEX management to clarify the proper way to deal with situations like this. While they understand the compassion behind the act, they stressed that putting other motorists and passengers at serious risk is never the right move. Instead of taking matters into their own hands, drivers should immediately call the NLEX hotline and let trained personnel handle the situation safely and properly.

“We completely understand and deeply appreciate the motorist’s concern regarding the dog involved in a road accident. For everyone’s safety, please report such incidents to our 24/7 hotline 1-35000. Sudden stops along high-speed roads pose high risks to all road users,” said NLEX Corporation via Viber to Autoindustriya.com.

There’s a proper way to report road hazards. Putting your own life and the lives of countless motorists at risk is not it. Compassion is admirable, but it should never come at the expense of public safety.