Motorists urged to drive safely after barrier crashes

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) urged motorists to maintain safe speeds and remain fully attentive following a series of road accidents involving concrete barriers across the city.

TTMO head Uldarico Garbanzos said several drivers involved in recent crashes claimed they failed to see the barriers due to poor lighting conditions.

“We have had incidents where vehicles hit our concrete barriers,” Garbanzos said Friday, Jan. 30.

“We have verified in our investigation with the police that the clamor of those involved is that they cannot see the barrier and there is low lighting,” he added.

Garbanzos said the concrete barriers installed along several city roads are equipped with reflectorized delineators to improve visibility, particularly at night.

“We appeal to motorists to be careful in driving and to use their headlights so they can easily notice the reflectorized portions of the barriers,” he said.

He said he has requested the installation of additional lighting to improve visibility, noting that most of the accidents occurred during the early morning hours.

Damaged concrete barriers, as well as faded pedestrian lanes and road markings, will also be repainted, Garbanzos said.

The TTMO chief made the remarks following several road incidents involving concrete barriers in the Jaro district.

On Jan. 5, a private vehicle hit several barriers and a flower pot in Barangay Quintin Salas early in the morning, with the driver citing poor visibility due to a lack of clear signage and reflectorized stickers.

On Jan. 19, another private vehicle rammed four concrete barriers along E. Lopez Street in Barangay San Vicente, also in the early morning.

On Jan. 28, a passenger jeepney crashed into concrete flower pots in Barangay Tagbak in the evening.

No injuries or casualties were reported in the three incidents.

Garbanzos said the concrete barriers were installed to prevent pedestrians from crossing roads indiscriminately, vehicles from making sudden U-turns, and tricycles and electric tricycles from passing through prohibited areas.

“It is part of our system and management that our motorists will not abuse, especially in places of convergence,” he said.

He added that the installation of concrete barriers is also part of preparations for planned traffic scheme adjustments in several parts of the city to be implemented during morning and afternoon rush hours.