Traffic fines

Dave Achondo

AS commuters, we all have our stories to tell about erring and obnoxious drivers. From the moment we take a taxi, a jeepney or a motorela, it is safe to say we have experienced this type of drivers who don’t or simply refuse to follow traffic laws. I doubt if commuters are calling them out.

Sadly, I used to be one of them. I admit that there was a time that I failed to do what was right, and opted for what was most comfortable to me.

I can understand the public vehicle drivers’ side — that they have to make both ends meet. However, being irresponsible and greedy on the road can lead to accidents and leave a negative impact on other motorists. They created the impression that many of them are nothing but road nuisances, which should not be the case.

Drivers who can’t follow the basic traffic laws are somewhat troublesome and not worthy to be called PUV drivers in the first place. In fairnesss, I have witnessed that some drivers really do follow the law, and stop at designated areas. So it is also not right to lump them all together in the same category.

There is a proposal by Gilbert Duldulao, an area supervisor of the Road and Traffic Administration (RTA), to increase penalties against erring drivers, including those driving private vehicles. Duldulao does have a point. Increasing the penalties may have its merits and may increase the possibility of reducing erring drivers. But it could also probably end up pointless.

Unless this city strengthens its stand and strictly enforces ordinances, and only during showtimes, Duldulao’s proposal would fall on deaf ears. Increase the penalties all they want but in the end, it would not make a difference,  unless, of course, if they would seriously enforce it on a daily basis. Rules on where to stop or not to stop, parking, etc. are not being enforced.

As I have pointed out, there is no point in amending and strengthening a law or a city ordinance if it can’t even be enforced.

Duldulao has a point when he said authorities should hit the violators where it hurts the most (meaning, the pockets of drivers). But then again, what is the point if the agency tasked to carry the order cannot even implement, and enforce the more simple rules or laws. Increasing the penalty would do little or nothing to curb erring drivers.

Instead of increasing the fines, they should make the RTA shape up and implements the rules that are already existing. Unless they do, I don’t see how increasing fines would help.

It may scare some but it won’t cure everyone especially those people who can afford to pay up.

Besides, pedestrians and commuters should also share in the blame. Some stubbornly take public vehicles just about anywhere comfortable to them.

Vendors around town who illegally use roads for their businesses and other reasons should also be faulted.

I still wonder who permitted “entrepreneurs” around Cogon market to set up tents and make a four-lane road narrow (one or two lanes depending on their mood). The city council and RTA should investigate that because they create traffic congestion around that area on rush hours — 5 pm onwards.

Or is the government ignoring them? So kind and lenient? Kay ipalabi nato ang “kabus,” ana lugar?