Kamote on Wheels

By Herman M. Lagon

Have you ever been stuck in traffic—tired, frustrated—when, out of nowhere, a motorcycle cuts through dangerously close, jolting you awake? Chances are, you have seen a kamote driver. The term, now slang for reckless riders, has sparked laughs online but reflects a real problem on our roads.

Behind the viral clips and memes is a sobering truth: motorcycle-related incidents made up 59% of traffic accidents in the country, according to the PSA’s 2022 report. Daily commuters and pedestrians alike have stories—some funny, most frustrating—about near misses or fender benders caused by reckless motorcycle riders. A colleague recently shared how a speeding motorcyclist along Tabuc Suba, Iloilo City, sideswiped her brand-new sedan; the rider merely glanced back and sped away, leaving her in disbelief, shock, and unfortunately, an expensive repair bill.

Interestingly, Filipino TV host Kim Atienza, or “Kuya Kim,” humorously suggested that the term “kamote” originated from teachers who, during American colonization, would instruct slow students to “go home and plant kamote”—an idiomatic way of calling someone intellectually lacking (Marcellones, 2022). Nowadays, riders themselves joke about the term differently, saying, “Pag nabangga ka ng kamote, kamot-ulo ka na lang kasi walang pambayad.” While amusing, it paints a clear picture of the real frustration many experience dealing with the aftermath of accidents caused by these irresponsible drivers.

But what constitutes a kamote rider? In his insightful analysis published in 2021, Mikko David broke down several kinds of reckless riders—from those genuinely unaware of their mistakes to those blatantly flouting rules, believing they are immune from consequences. Some riders justify counterflowing through traffic due to emergencies, while others merely see traffic laws as “suggestions.” These varying attitudes show a deeper problem: a lack of effective road discipline education and enforcement.

Indeed, poor road behavior is not exclusive to motorcycle riders. The motorcycle boom—especially during the pandemic—made things worse. With a 300% sales spike from 2014 to 2021 (MDPPA), more people turned to bikes for convenience, but many hit the roads untrained, adding to the rise of kamote riders.

Concern over reckless driving has reached Congress. Reps. Margarita Nograles and Cheeno Almario filed the “Anti-Kamote Driver Bill” to protect responsible drivers from unfair detention in crashes caused by reckless ones. A similar bill by Rep. JC Abalos also pushes for more transparent accountability and legal processes. Both bills underscore the public’s growing frustration and demand for fairer and more effective handling of road incidents involving kamote riders.

However, addressing this issue extends beyond new laws; it involves changing mindsets. Kuya Kim emphasized that responsible riding means leaving one’s ego at home. Riding should be seen as a moment for reflection and mindfulness—not a rush for thrills or an outlet for road rage. As he aptly stated, “Motorcycling is prayer—wala kang kausap. Kausapin mo si Lord.” This perspective encourages riders to see their journey not as a race, but as a peaceful, reflective experience.

From an educational standpoint, schools and licensing authorities must reinforce proper training. The Land Transportation Office (LTO), often criticized for inconsistent enforcement, holds significant responsibility here. Lapses in licensing have put undertrained riders on our already crowded roads, raising accident risks. The LTO could learn from countries like Japan and Singapore, where strict training and road tests help keep streets safer.

But it is not just up to the government. The riding community has a significant role to play. Influencers like Jet Lee (Ma. Rica Cabarrubias in real life), ambassador for Philippine Motocycle Tourism, use their platforms to promote responsible riding—reminding us that aside from the thrill of freedom, we must also stay safe while on the road. Pushing for safety gear, defensive driving, and road respect helps reshape public perception and make our streets safer for all.

Teachers and schools can help, too. By introducing road safety lessons early—especially values like patience, discipline, and respect—we can raise future drivers who are not just skilled but considerate.

In the end, fixing the kamote rider problem will require all of us: smarter laws, better enforcement, early education, and riders who choose safety over showmanship. Let us not wait for the next viral accident to remind us. Roads are meant to bring us together—not tear us apart.

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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ‘student of and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.