Strict enforcement is still the key

Many intersections in Metro Manila now have counters to inform motorists as to how much time they have left before coming to a full stop or when to proceed. In other words, there is a visual countdown for the driver to follow, in order to make things a lot smoother at these intersections. But even with this helpful device, there are still those who do not follow the rules of the road. Either they are just too ignorant or stupid of such things, or are inherently violators in nature.

There are still those who will try to beat an already winding down counter, instead of coming to a slow stop. Then there are those who just cannot wait for the lights to turn green, even if the counters only have a few seconds on them. It is obvious that there are those who really do not have a right to drive a vehicle, if such devices that already provide all the information one needs are totally ignored, or deemed useless. Perhaps tire spikes that deploy and retract should replace these counters. They would dispense punishment right away for violators.

Which is why there is still a need for traffic enforcers to man these intersections, even with the presence of the counters. In fact, those who still beat the red light or cannot wait for the light to turn green must be punished more, since there really is no reason not to obey the lights. Let's face it, many drivers are not initiated enough to follow the rules of the road. Putting it bluntly, many have brains that are not trained to do just that, making the need for enforcers even more important.

This situation is no different from pedestrians who just cannot use footbridges, and insist on crossing the street even in the most dangerous of thoroughfares such as C5. Fences have been put up to deter these jaywalkers, but they still find a way by destroying the very barriers that keep them safe. And yet, if ever one is struck by a vehicle, it is the fault of the motorist, not the pedestrian.

But why is it that when in a different place, motorists can and will obey traffic rules? Subic is a good example. Motorists transform immediately upon entering the Freeport zone. And why? Because traffic enforcers are very strict. It can therefore be surmised that if the law is strict, even harsh, they will be obeyed. Which brings us back to Metro Manila. The MMDA must conduct seminars to its enforcers to be very strict with regards to traffic laws. They must not be lax or soft, nor easily influenced by those who just love to throw their weight around. The situation is already bad, even with devices like counters at hand. The human element of enforcement is still essential in maintaining order on the road.

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