MOTORISTS plying the MacArthur Highway or Manila North Road portion of Apalit and San Simon towns have expressed concern over the possible accidents that may be caused by the large potholes or “craters” following the heavy rains.
Several huge potholes can now be seen on MacArthur Highway, from the CDCP junction in San Simon up to Barangay San Vicente in Apalit town.
MacArthur Highway is considered a major thoroughfare going to the City of San Fernando northbound and to Bulacan province southbound.
Motorists have complained that the badly deteriorated road stretch is like an accident waiting to happen, especially that no warning or hazard signs and traffic enforcers are posted in the areas to provide guidance.
A motorcycle rider who regularly passes by the highway but requested anonymity told Sun.Star Pampanga that potholes pose dangers such as sudden tumbling of motorcycle riders, especially to those unfamiliar with the portions of the road.
Unlike four-wheeled vehicles, the motorcycle riders asserted that they are more prone to accidents if they will not be alert and careful in avoiding the said road hazards.
“Lalo na baha doon sa may mismong CDCP intersection, hindi mo talaga nakikita ang dinadaanan mo. Kung hindi ka alerto, tutumba ka talaga kapag nadaanan mo. Kawawa iyong mga hindi pamilyar sa daan You cannot really see the road clearly particularly in the CDCP intersection. If you are not alert or familiar with that portion of the highway, you will tumble,” he said.
Meanwhile, one Richard Santos also complained of the inconvenience such as traffic build up caused by the said potholes, especially during rush hours when commuter jeepneys flock to the strategic area.
He added that the said potholes not only damage the suspension of their vehicles, but also sometimes cause misunderstanding among motorists who insist their right of way while others try to avoid potholes.
“Of course you will avoid the potholes and go counterflow. But other drivers would not budge and give way resulting to altercations,” he noted.
Motorists are now calling on the government agencies responsible for the said thoroughfare to immediately conduct rehabilitation measures before accidents or other unfortunate incidents happen.