RAISE your hand if you want to join the bandwagon of pedestrians who get rankled at this particular lane right before the overpass at Tiong San, Harrison (not to mention other areas where inefficient traffic rules are unbridled). The installation of traffic lights is suppose to pave the way for a more systematic and safer interface among commuters, pedestrians and drivers alike but ironically, the exact opposite is happening.
I can’t fathom what seems to be the reason for drivers to rush, bumper to bumper -- oblivious of the dangers that could result from their haphazard actions while being totally mindless of pedestrians who patiently wait for those sparse few minutes when they could safely cross to the other side. Even those given scant moments are being taken away when these headstrong drivers occupy that meager meter or two of white- painted lines indicating the only safe area for people to walk.
I can’t fathom what seems to be the reason for drivers to rush, bumper to bumper -- oblivious of the dangers that could result from their haphazard actions while being totally mindless of pedestrians who patiently wait for those sparse few minutes when they could safely cross to the other side. Even those given scant moments are being taken away when these headstrong drivers occupy that meager meter or two of white- painted lines indicating the only safe area for people to walk.
You get your go signal but you barely make it halfway when the red sign makes you halt. Thing is, to be able to cross, you have to amble with numerous others who literally slither and sidle among fenders and hoods of these irresponsible private vehicle and PUJ owners who stop exactly where the pedestrian lines are. And that seemingly innocent and unaware look of theirs when you glare at them just makes things worse. I wish I had a horn so I could honk wildly at you!
Even someone who doesn’t own a student permit in driving knows that the yellow or amber signal light denotes that you prepare to stop short of the intersection. This should give ample time for drivers to do just that, instead of rushing head on hoping to beat the red light down to the last split second. Apparently however, a lot of Baguio drivers are selectively colorblind to the colors yellow and red. I guess their hypothalamus only gets to process and recognize the green color.
True, there are risky pedestrian crossers, but there are also irresponsible and mindless drivers. If those traffic lamps fail to be more conspicuous to people who should be alert to these, maybe we might need more compelling enforcers of traffic rules other than these stoplights. The police visibility within the city is really laudable but I’m certain a lot of Baguio commuters would sincerely appreciate it if more attention is given to these identified pedestrian lanes where the stoplights have mayhap become invisible. If people tend to be stone-blind to traffic lights, I’m pretty sure they’d be more receptive to police officers.
Yet again, this can be reprised to having self-discipline and responsibility. It never hurts to wait for one’s own respective green light. It is a very cardinal rule that everyone can adhere to. Come on people, Traffic Regulations 101 is very elementary.
Even someone who doesn’t own a student permit in driving knows that the yellow or amber signal light denotes that you prepare to stop short of the intersection. This should give ample time for drivers to do just that, instead of rushing head on hoping to beat the red light down to the last split second. Apparently however, a lot of Baguio drivers are selectively colorblind to the colors yellow and red. I guess their hypothalamus only gets to process and recognize the green color.
True, there are risky pedestrian crossers, but there are also irresponsible and mindless drivers. If those traffic lamps fail to be more conspicuous to people who should be alert to these, maybe we might need more compelling enforcers of traffic rules other than these stoplights. The police visibility within the city is really laudable but I’m certain a lot of Baguio commuters would sincerely appreciate it if more attention is given to these identified pedestrian lanes where the stoplights have mayhap become invisible. If people tend to be stone-blind to traffic lights, I’m pretty sure they’d be more receptive to police officers.
Yet again, this can be reprised to having self-discipline and responsibility. It never hurts to wait for one’s own respective green light. It is a very cardinal rule that everyone can adhere to. Come on people, Traffic Regulations 101 is very elementary.