Tragic bus crash should serve as eye opener
August 23, 2010 in Cordillera, Featured, transport
www.nordis.net
BAGUIO CITY — On August 18, 2010, one of the deadliest bus crashes which claimed 42 lives shook the Cordilleras and the country. At 9:20 AM that day, an Eso- Nice bus with 50 passengers bound to San Fernando, La Union from Baguio City fell into a 150-foot ravine in Barangay Banangan, Sablan, Benguet due to failing breaks. The bus fell from a sharp curve with nothing to block it from going down the ravine.
“The Cordillera Peoples Alliance extends its deepest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the victims. We expect the local government to provide financial support to the victims and the management of Eso-Nice to face its accountabilities in the tragedy. At the same time, we hope that this would serve as an eye opener to everyone. This sort of tragedy is not the first of its kind in the Cordillera and it must never happen again. We therefore ask the local and national government to immediately enforce safety measures against such vehicular tragedies,” said CPA Chairperson Windel Bolinget.
Bolinget added that transport infrastructure, as a basic government service, has to be further developed and should be made a priority in the Cordillera. This is especially so because of the regionfs geographical terrain and topography where roads are inevitably built in steep mountainsides thereby makings roads prone to vehicular accidents in addition to landslides and roadcuts primarily caused by heavy rains.
Bolinget stressed that much needs to be done with the present road system in order to ensure public transport safety. For instance, safety mechanisms could be put up on roadsides especially in sharp curves.
In addition, vehicular conditions must also be accounted for in ensuring public transport safety. “The bus crash indicates a need to implement regular inspection of public transport vehicles and strict enforcement of transportation safety-related policies especially on buses to ensure the security of passengers. Moreover, operators and drivers must seriously consider vehicular conditions before any travel,” said Bolinget.
The CPA calls on the new administration to prioritize adequate budget allocation for the rehabilitation and development of road systems and other basic social services in the region more than allocations for projects and programs that are detrimental to the lives of indigenous peoples such as military budget and even foreign debt service. For effective delivery of public transportation services, the government must also seriously look into the issue of corruption. “President Noynoy Aquino must curb corruption as he promised and ensure that government funds allocated for the restoration, rehabilitation and development of road systems in the region are used accordingly,” added Bolinget.# CPA Public Information Commission
As a former PU driver, and now a migrant worker, I had the experience of going through a Japanese, driver license, exam, to acquire a Japanese Drivers license to replace my Philippine Drivers License. And so be better qualified to use and drive vehicles in Japan.
Japan, as with other developed countries, puts a high degree of responsibility on vehicle drivers, to assure a high degree of road safety, in their very busy roads and highways.
I observed that part of the examination, given, was to check on the validity of my Philippine drivers license. As it is also known by other countries, that Philippine drivers licenses, can be acquired through corrupt means, and not through the legally required procedures.
Then as well, I was made to prove my familiarity with proper driving practices, procedures and SOPs, by going through actual vehicular, operation. So from the stage of pre-check up of the vehicle before getting into the vehicle, to getting into the vehicle, then settling into the drivers seat, to starting out, and driving through a designed driving course, with the standard road conditions based on international road standards. Then to parking and getting out of the vehicle. All along, with an examiner holding a check list, and grading ones proper or improper fulfillment of the requirements. After which the examiner, points out ones strengths and weaknesses then gives a short lecture on how to improve, and then ones grade.
Even in my more than 20 years of driving in the Philippines, this was a new experience. If not for having the good fortune of earlier hearing stories, from drivers, who had the chance of learning the standards of international driving, within the former US Managed, Clark Field Air Base in Pampanga, I would not have had a single hint, on this system of driving standards. And yes, I passed the exam, on a second take, of the practical requirement. As I became familiar with the driving course.
Yes, proper driving skills and competence, is a key element in vehicle safety. Much more for PU vehicle drivers. And another element is the implementation of laws and regulations to prevent the excessive use of alcohol during driving.
This are two key elements in raising the degree of PU vehicle driving safety. Even for non PU vehicle driving safety. The road conditions in our country is a tough challenge as it is. And to have a competent person in the drivers seat, is indeed very important.
So it is as well, that if we demand, for better regulation of the Private sector, through and by the Public sector using government, so it is that we as well demand for greater honesty and sincerity in Government. Thus the demand to lessen graft and corruption in both government and the private sector is key to a better PU Vehicle Regulatory and Management system.
Note the impact of these improvements, can contribute significantly to other efforts in the economy and to climate change, as more and more vehicles are required to support economic growth. So it is a win win solution. for everyone.