DPWH begins installing rumble strips

Following the vehicular accident over the weekend along Diversion Road in Iloilo City’s Mandurriao district, which killed Joe Marie and Alnie Dinah Pet-Osano, who were crossing the street using the crosswalk when they were struck by a speeding sports car, the Iloilo City Public Safety and Transportation Office (PSTMO) is increasing deployment of personnel along the said stretch of road.
“We are in the process of planning how many personnel will be deployed,” explained PSTMO head Jeck Conlu. “Our personnel will be the ones to assist the public in crossing the road and will make sure that they are using [crosswalks].”
He said there are also plans to increase personnel along the Iloilo River Esplanade, which is also on Diversion Road.
“The plan also is to increase deployment of personnel [along] some other streets in Iloilo City, but the main focus is Diversion Road,” Conlu added. “There are people who take a walk or jog every morning and in the afternoon at the Esplanade.”
The PSTMO official said personnel will be deployed from 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
In response to the incident, the PSTMO earlier called on city motorists to “respect” crosswalks.
“To all drivers, respect the pedestrian lane,” said Conlu. “If you [have] had an experience paying for traffic fines, I know, for sure, that you are also aware of the importance of pedestrian lanes.”
“Based on the CCTV [footage] that I, together with some personnel, have reviewed, it was really a case of reckless driving,” he added.
Meanwhile, as a precaution, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Region VI (DPWH-6) yesterday began installing rumble strips along the said stretch of Diversion Road. Also known as alert strips, rumble strips alert inattentive drivers of potential dangers by causing the vehicle to vibrate while driving over them.
According to Iloilo City District Engineering Office head, Rodney Gustilo Gustilo, the rumble strips were installed 20 meters in front of the crosswalk./WDJ