Most Filipino drivers don’t have needed knowledge on driving

This is in reaction to the news about the tragic loss of so many lives due to the traffic accident involving a Don Mariano Transit bus that fell off the Skyway along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) very recently.

It happened just a few days after our recent visit to the Philippines, during which we travelled through the Skyway back and forth a number of times when the weather was fine, thus allowing us to marvel at the scenery around, even if not all that we saw was a sight to behold.

We wonder why this bus company is still being allowed to operate despite the fact that it has a history of tragic road accidents that have resulted in the deaths of several persons and damage to property.

We are all aware of the serious traffic accidents that happen often, even in the very midst of the crowded city. That “avenue of death” in Quezon City has been a notorious place for racing bus drivers.

We believe that  the drivers involved in most traffic accidents in the Philippines do not have the basic driving knowledge about road courtesy, traffic rules and regulations and regard for the life and limb of passengers and other road users.

The government should impose stricter traffic rules and regulations and let traffic enforcers and highway patrol forces implement them at all times. Violators should be penalized stiffly, and those involved in serious traffic accidents which result in death should never be allowed to drive again.

All public utility vehicles should undergo strict inspection as to their roadworthiness, and those found wanting should not be allowed to operate and their license should be revoked.

Speed limits should be imposed on all large vehicles because drivers of these mammoth “coffins” have the tendency to behave as kings of the road, owing to the size of the vehicles they drive.

We have seen them often commit counterflow violations especially on provincial roads where the traffic is heavy and they find themselves behind a long tailback.

—RAMON MAYUGA,

[email protected]