Motorized Rascals

Strictly implementing the helmets but not the way they drive. What gives?

While on a cab going to the office, traffic was so heavy that it barely moved at all. The cab driver strike up a conversation and we had a good one. The most obvious topic was of course the heavy traffic and how it was so different a few years back then.

Although I could not totally agree, he surmise that traffic congestion is due to the increasing numbers of cars on the road plus the fact that our roads are too narrow, hence the congestion. 

While it may be true that we have more cars on the road now, this however is not the main reason for the congestion on the roads. It is still about traffic management, road courtesy and discipline. These are what we lack and why we are having traffic congestion.

On the issue of narrow roads, also I cannot totally agree. However, it is the quality of road that contributes to traffic congestion. Bumpy roads, unfinished road works, potholes and uneven surface.

Then there is the lack of proper sidewalks, resulting to pedestrians walking on the road causing vehicles to slow down and veer off. Then there are sidewalk vendors, or I think the proper term now is already roadside vendor. Either way, these obstacles on the side cause pedestrians to veer towards the road and thus causing vehicles to slow down. And not to mention, pedestrians crossing the roads on go signal, jay walking.

I must admit though that indeed there are more cars on the road as owning one has become so affordable and that it is contributing to traffic congestion somewhat. And with the decline of pump prices, we can expect even more vehicles on the road. Cars that have not been in use for quite a while are now plying the busy streets again.

But there is one thing we agreed and for me I think is the major cause of traffic congestion now, motorcycles. Yes, those unruly, no discipline motorcycles on the road. Those that cut your lane in front of you, blocking your way out of nowhere. Swerving from left to right, disregarding every traffic rule on the road, driving on the wrong lane, overtaking on the wrong side, turning to the right from the very leftmost lane. Driving as if they own the road and thinking they are invincible. As a result making other motorists hit the brakes, slow down, and evade these rascals on the road. Worse, traffic enforces do not feel obliged to fine these maniacs. They do give tickets to those not wearing helmets, it does not matter how they drive, if they are on the right lane or counter flowing traffic. It does not matter if they have the right of way or not, it does not matter how reckless they drive their motorcycles and violate all the traffic rules and disregard everyone on the road, as long as they wear their helmets then they are okay, no traffic citation.