FROM September 9 to 15, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO)-Traffic Group (TG) recorded a total of 179 vehicular collisions across the city, with 11 fatalities and 78 injured.
This is already an alarming number of road accidents in just one week. Though some of these accidents may be caused by mechanical issues, we cannot discount the fact that many of these are caused by a lack of road discipline.
This is an important realization that we should be more vigilant in driving along the streets. It is an eye-opener that when you are the one who is steering the wheel, you have the responsibility to follow every traffic rule and be a responsible driver.
However, it is quite evident that despite the constant reminders and warnings of the government, there are still drivers who refuse to follow traffic rules and road etiquettes.
There was once a Facebook page called “Davao Idiot Drivers” that showcases drivers of both public and private vehicles who are disregarding traffic rules.
Is the city’s Lingap warning on overpasses not enough to remind drivers to drive safely?
The Land Transportation Office has also done its part in educating the public on road safety. The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) and even the DCPO have also launched their respective campaigns to promote safe driving in the city. Yet, many drivers continue to violate them.
Some who violate the rules also dare to laugh about and make jokes of their violations.
This lack of discipline among drivers is alarming. It is this lack of discipline that tends to lead to accidents -- driving while drunk and driving too fast are just among the causes of road accidents.
Public utility vehicle drivers should be more compliant and sensitive to traffic rules. Every day they transport groups of commuters. If they drive recklessly, they put in danger the lives of dozens of passengers. We have heard of stories of jeepney drivers speeding the highway going to and from Toril, Davao City and risking the lives of their passengers.
Maybe it is time for the government to implement stricter measures and penalties against erring drivers.
Road safety is easy. We all just have to follow the traffic rules and be disciplined and responsible drivers.