It has been quite some time since last writing about the total disregard for traffic rules witnessed every single day on the streets of Bacolod City, especially by jeepney and tricycle operators. Time and again, I have noticed tricycles operating between Bangga Cory and Lopue’s East driving against the flow of traffic as they approach their paradahan.
This is already part of the tricycle driver culture and it’s even worse seeing it happen in the presence of traffic enforcers who, for whatever reason, cannot be bothered with apprehending or warning these individuals (maybe traffic enforcers don’t see driving the wrong way down the road as a violation of the law or are completely unaware it’s an illegal maneuver).
What is the use of their drivers’ associations if they are unable to follow simple traffic rules? If an accident happens, who shoulders the cost? The terminal located at Bangga Cory is not even a tolerable situation; it’s located at a busy intersection and only adds to the agony suffered by motorists every day.
Plain and simple: There is no order on our streets. Everything is allowed and tolerated – Bacolod City is no model city. What kind of model city has drivers unable to follow simple traffic rules or streets flooded with informal vendors? How does the city government justify that? Why are public officials unaware of the current state of the city? Are they turning a blind eye to reality?
It’s a sad truth but, for the longest period of time, implementing order on the streets has not been prioritized and somehow city residents are supposed to be proud of receiving such an award? Receiving awards is nice but is the city really living up to expectations? Bacolod City residents have a right to complain and should pose these questions. Local elected officials are public servants.
Bacolodnons are not willing to wait for more accidents to happen; traffic monitoring and implementing the law must be addressed – and it is long overdue. The life and limbs of the driving and riding public must be of the utmost concern for government officials.
Public service is not just a campaign slogan./WDJ