THE ONLY warning for this lane separator is a red plastic barrier. Tessa Salazar/file photo
Does the horse go on a road rage? Who knows. What is certain is that humans in metal beasts certainly can, and do, at times when they feel they’ve been had by other drivers or pedestrians. When that rage subsides (and it always does) and sane reasoning resumes, they almost always regret those instances when emotions get the better of them and insanity gets behind the wheel.
ACCIDENTS like the recent fall of a Don Mariano Transit bus from the Skyway put the pressure on the government for a tougher grip on bus franchises. Niño Jesus Orbeta/file photo
Inquirer Motoring asked veteran “road warriors” their wishes for a more serene motoring experience in 2014. Here’s what’s on top of their list:
1. Mind the buses
“Buses should be disciplined to stay in the yellow lane,” quipped Francis Samonte, Toyota Auto Club chair and the group’s financial advisor.
He added that buses should only load in designated areas.
2. More stringent vehicle inspection, licensing
“(There should be) stricter licensing procedures and stringent safety inspections during registration of public and private vehicles,” said Andre Palma, former Inquirer Motoring columnist and ex-rally driver.
“Improve public safety and public transportation to a level that encourages use of public transport,” added Ferman Lao, Car Awards Group Inc.
BEL SAYSON posted this photo Jan. 17, 2013, on his Facebook profile. He told the Inquirer that the ‘MMDA (acted swiftly and) solved the predicament within 24 hours.’
president.
3. Bye-bye, bogus enforcers
“There should be strict enforcement of traffic laws and less bogus enforcers,” added Lao.
4. Speed limiters on trucks and buses
“Speed limiters should be installed on trucks and buses, and franchises of operators not conducting regular safety checks of buses revoked and canceled. The salaries of bus drivers should be standard. This will prevent the drivers from racing against each other to get passengers,” said Samonte.
5. HD eyes on the road
A TIGHT walkway at the MRT station in Ortigas hinders smooth passenger flow. Paulo Alcazaren
“I hope for more high-definition (HD) closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs)—emphasis on the high definition—as most CCTVs look worthless. This will deter criminals as they will be easily identified,” said Samonte.
6. Better infrastructure
Lao hopes there would be less of the unnecessary road rehabilitation works, and better urban planning of Metro Manila.
7. Away with the smoke belchers
“I get exasperated with smoke-belching vehicles, both private and public. What is the LTO’s (Land Transportation Office) Motor Vehicle Inspection Service doing in apprehending the smoke belchers? We have the Clean Air Act, but how do the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and the LTO implement the rules and regulations?” said Ermine Potenciano, a car enthusiast and a member of Team FD (eighth-generation Honda Civic Club).
8. Public roads are not race tracks
Samonte said that if speed limits could be effectively implemented in Commonwealth and Macapagal Avenues, there should be no reason for limits not to be implemented everywhere else.
“If drivers want to drive fast, there are very nice race tracks in Clark and Batangas,” added Samonte.
9. Bike lanes for cyclists only
“Most of my fellow car enthusiasts are now also into cycling, and the numbers are reaching the thousands. I wish bike lanes, like the bike lanes in Marcos Highway and Edsa, could be
THE CONCRETE lane separator, which creates more traffic, is hard to see at night and can be submerged during floods. Tessa Salazar/file photo
implemented in more roads. This will ensure the safety of cyclists, and car drivers as well,” said Samonte.
10. Buy Pinoy, race Pinoy
True, pride may very well be the root of road rage. But there is one form of pride we’d like to see more of on the streets. And that’s Pinoy pride.
Ferman Lao quips, “I hope 2014 sees more Filipinos supporting the local motorsports scene,” adding that this would encourage younger, talented drivers to show their wares in legitimate race courses and not on illegal drag races in public streets.
“There are small- and medium-size Filipino-owned car shops which manufacture good-quality, high-power LED lights and customized carbon-fiber body kits. Mainstream and social media can feature them so that the public will have options other than the imported products from China,” quipped Potenciano.
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