Headstone warns motorists to 'Ride Safe or Ride in Peace'

CEBU, Philippines —  An oversized headstone that reads “Ride Safe or Ride in Peace” has been put up along the Transcentral Highway in Barangay Busay, Cebu City to remind motorists to drive safely.

A headstone is a slab of stone set up at the head of a grave, typically inscribed with the name of the dead person.

The road safety advocacy is an initiative of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG)-7 and a driving school.

“Kay sa tinuod lang, ang mga motorista di na na mahadlok anang mga ordinaryong karatula sama anang slow down, no overtaking... Nagbuhat ta og stern warning sa atong mga motorista nga mag-amping ta kanunay,”said Police Major Sylvestre Cenia of the HPG-7.

According to Cenia, this is similar to the idea of including images of persons suffering from certain diseases on the pack of cigarette. This way, he added, consumers will be reminded of the pitfalls of reckless driving.

“Reminder ni sa mga motorista ba duha ra ilang kapaingnan og dili sila mag-amping -- mamatay o maangol,” said Cenia.

Based on 2019 data, the Philippines recorded more than 10,000 accidents. In Cebu City alone, from January to May 2021, there had been 1,600 road accidents recorded.

This, despite the city being placed under strict movement restrictions due to the pandemic.

“Pero daghan gihapon naaksidente, and it is very alarming,” said Cenia.

Cenia reminded the public to be afraid of accidents just like they are afraid of the COVID threat.

According to sources, the area where the headstone has been installed is accident-prone.

Cenia added that the headstone will be a reminder for motorists to slow down.

“This is a good innovation...manghinaot lang ko sa atong nga kababayan na karong umaabot na Kalag-Kalag, holidays, daghan man jud manganhi sa Busay... drive safe lang,” he said.

According to Busay barangay captain Ebing Pamador, about 30 incidents of road crash have been reported in the barangay this year in that area alone. In 2020, six died.

“Kasagaran sa madisgrasya dili tagaamo, wala jud sila kabalo,” Pamador said. — JMD (FREEMAN)