Why is it that truck drivers along the Dumaguete South Highway, seem to think there are no laws governing road safety? Why do motorcycles glide left and right, fearless, and unafraid of death?
With the recent spate of bus accidents, resulting in loss of lives, our local officials should pay attention and act proactively. First, basic road courtesy, simple good manners and right conduct should be the norm. The laws of road safety are centered on these basic values, with certain standards set by law. For instance, it is shocking to think that vehicles without any lights are allowed to ply public roads and highways.
In the early morning of Wednesday, Malatapay Day, a four-wheeled delivery truck was heading south coming from Dumaguete, The truck was on the wrong lane, running very fast, beyond the speed limit, expecting other drivers to get out of his way.
What makes these drivers so bold and daring? How many minutes did he gain, why can drivers observe road safety? We should not forget the accident in Malatapay road, a few months back.
This is why we have a government. Government is supposed to implement the laws for the good of many. Who gave these drivers a license to drive? A government agency, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Have you tried applying for a driver’s license? Do you understand why there are drivers who are ignorant and just drive anyway they want? These truck drivers are supposed to earn their living by driving, they have a duty to abide by measures enduring the safety of the public. Why is this basic first step, full of holes?
Once these drivers, who obtained their licenses by dubious means, drive on the highway, it is anyone’s life that is placed on the line. In addition, if these drivers operate passenger buses, many more lives are on their hands, and yet, they drive like there is no tomorrow.
Secondly, truck operators and bus lines should have strict guidelines for their drivers, because of the nature of transportation business, they are expected to exercise Extraordinary Diligence.
If people see beyond the news, there are multifaceted consequences of one bus accident like the one that took the life of Tado Jimenez, in Benguet. Children turned into orphans, spouses become widows, dreams cut, the pain and suffering of the families left behind, all incalculable, beyond any estimation.
LTO was so hot about the Helmet Law implementation, and yet, they are not strict in things that are more basic and of utmost importance, like stricter process of professional drivers license and road safety.
The public has the right to demand that all drivers should follow safety laws.
As a suggestion, it is high time that there should be more random check points during early morning hours, and in the evenings. With these kinds of measures, there are many other crimes that can be prevented. It is noted around the world, that the presence of policemen and traffic enforcers is a crime deterrent.
Please do something about road safety.
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Author’s email: [email protected]
