Freddie’s victims also broke traffic rules

By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent

FREDDIE Talisayan, the driver of the six-wheel truck that killed seven people on the highway in Cugman last week, was not the only one who broke traffic rules, an official of the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) said.

Engr. Nonito Oclarit, RTA chief, said Kent Felicilda, one of those hurt after being rammed by Talisayan’s truck, should not be driving a motorela on the highway in the first place because that was a violation of a traffic law.

He said motorelas are only allowed to cross national highways

Oclarit also pointed out that the members of the family that died during the first impact were not supposed to be riding one motorcycle at the same time.

He noted that 46-year old Ronnie Abrio had driven a motorcycle to Bugo to bring his wife to her working place and then headed back to the city with three of their children. It was a case of overloading.

“Duha  ra man gyud ka tawo ang dapat mosakay. Kon subra na sa duha, overloaded na,” Oclarit said.

He said crash helmets could have saved the Abrios after they were thrown off as a result of the impact.

He said motorists could derive lessons from the Palm Sunday rampage on the highway in Cugman that resulted in seven deaths and four injuries.

One important lesson, according to Oclarit, is people should not drink and drive.

“Kon wala pa maka-inom  kadtong maong driver, dili unta to mahitabo ang ingon niadto ka  grabi nga traffic accident,” he said.

Oclarit said the RTA has repeatedly been raising awareness among drivers about the need for safety measures.

“Na-a man  tay mga seminar sa mga drivers diha sa atong opisina, ug ato sila kanunay nga    gipahinomdoman, nga i-plastar gyud ang ilang pag-drive, dili magparas-paras, ug dili gyud  mag-drive basta maka-inom,” he said.