Publisher’s Notes
By Lincoln M. Baluyut
Road Safety
When was the last time you crossed the streets of Angeles City, Mabalacat City, City of San
Fernando and not fearing for your dear life? It must be ages ago.
Some motorists, especially motorcycle and tricycle drivers, have no regard for pedestrians even
when they’re using the crosswalk. They’re always in a hurry: cutting corners and overtaking on
blind sides.
We all know that they’re trying to earn a living. But the safety of all is not at all expendable.
Theirs (drivers’) and pedestrians as well.
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code requires all
motorcycles and scooters to be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
But a third or more of all motorcycles are unregistered or have expired licenses. And who’s to
blame? The buyer/owner, the seller or the government agency looking after this registration?
It’s all of the above.
There’s gotta be a law requiring the seller to register motorcycles before handing over the keys
to the buyers. This will ensure that before hitting the roads, the motorcycle is registered and
have proper insurance.
But that’s not the case here in the Philippines. Distributors won’t care as long as they make
money by selling. That’s the main problem and the government CAN’T do anything. Even if
there are laws, they’re only suggestions not to be implemented.
There’s also Republic Act No. 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009. Another law that’s
not being properly implemented. Here’s the big one.
Republic Act 10666 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act of 2015. Do traffic enforcers
know this? Maybe, maybe not. You can see parents riding with their child, sometimes their
children, not minding their safety.
Lane splitting is prohibited under this law. But motorcycle riders have no discipline. They just
zoom past all vehicles when there’s traffic jams. They’re all in a hurry.
When are these laws going to be effective to keep the public and riders safe? It’s about time we
really need to step up.
Calling the Land Transportation Commission, even local government units, if they are
empowered to enforce laws.
Please give me peace of mind when I cross the street.
Traffic in Angeles City most of the time is unbearable. The construction of overpasses should
have been started a long time ago. Funding is another issue. But with the help of our
congressman Jon Lazatin and Sen. Lito Lapid, who care for our beloved city, it will soon be a
reality.
Another project that will be implemented soon is the construction of an overpass over the
roundabout along MacArthur Highway going to Pandan Road.
Let’s just hope we will see all these happen during our lifetime.
Another road safety issue are those electric bikes that have mushroomed the last couple of
years.
These bikes are NOT supposed to be plying major streets and highways. They were meant for
use inside subdivisions to and from your house to the main gates but not city streets. They’re
not licensed, registered and have no insurance at all. An accident bound to happen.
WHEN WILL THIS MADNESS BE STOPPED?
