Drivers urged: Observe road courtesy

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) has issued a reminder to motorists to observe courtesy while on the road and be considerate of crossing pedestrians.

In an advisory on Monday, April 8, PSTMO head Jeck Conlu said that pedestrians should be given ample time to cross the road, especially if they find themselves in the middle of the crosswalk before the traffic lights change.

“Even when the pedestrian traffic light already says stop, you should give way to a person who was caught in the middle of the crosswalk. It will only take a couple more seconds of your time,” he said.

Conlu further stressed the importance of respecting and prioritizing pedestrian safety.

“We should think of others first and not let the steering wheel set them off on power trips,” he added.

It can be noted that on March 20, a 55-year-old call center agent died after being hit by a modernized jeep in Mandurriao district.

The victim, identified as Hermie Cala, was on his way to work and was crossing the pedestrian lane when he was struck by a modernized jeepney driven by Mark Joevel Babiera.

Based on the impact on the windshield of the jeep, authorities said the driver might have been driving at a high speed which caused the victim to be thrown approximately five meters away.

According to Police Chief Master Sergeant Alexandro Aiguilles, Traffic Investigator of Mandurriao Police Station, it was also found out that Babiera was holding a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) after he was apprehended by the Land Transportation Office for not wearing a seatbelt, a day before the incident occurred.

On the day of the incident, Babiera’s TOP had not yet expired as he was given a 72-hour grace period to process the necessary requirements.

The Iloilo Business Park (IBP) said the accident that happened along its main avenue was a stern reminder to all motorists to strictly adhere to traffic policies, especially in complying with speed limits.

“It is unfortunate that such a reckless disregard to basic traffic rules of our estate resulted [in] the death of the victim,” it said in a statement.

“(IBP) is implementing additional measures to ensure the safety of all pedestrians within our township. We will also continue our coordination with the [local government unit] on the proposed plan to deputize our traffic marshals in order to apprehend traffic violators inside our township,” IBP added.

The incident also prompted Mayor Jerry Treñas to call for the retraining of drivers of modern jeepneys on traffic discipline.