I JOIN the throngs of the city’s daily commuters. When I first noticed the newly-installed traffic lights, I was delighted. This was a clear manifestation of the city government’s drive to improve the flow of traffic along our busy streets as these were strategically situated at intersections, pedestrian lanes, and areas where traffic is heaviest.
Perhaps we’ve been used to precariously crossing the streets without the go signal of the green light that the presence of the traffic posts doesn’t really make a difference to our crossing instincts. I too am guilty of this. I cross the street when I see that it’s “safe”. I’m mindless to the red stop sign that’s glowering at me at the other side of the road. I tend to be very frugal when it comes to my time. The thought of sparing those precious seconds standing at the edge of the lane when I know very well that it’s alright to cross is seemingly impractical. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has this mindset. Thing is, I get really mad at PUV and private car drivers who are doing the same thing. If there are risky pedestrian crossers, there are also drivers who are as irresponsible. These are the guys who are selectively colorblind to red. Every time’s a go signal for them as long as the road’s open.
Perhaps we’ve been used to precariously crossing the streets without the go signal of the green light that the presence of the traffic posts doesn’t really make a difference to our crossing instincts. I too am guilty of this. I cross the street when I see that it’s “safe”. I’m mindless to the red stop sign that’s glowering at me at the other side of the road. I tend to be very frugal when it comes to my time. The thought of sparing those precious seconds standing at the edge of the lane when I know very well that it’s alright to cross is seemingly impractical. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has this mindset. Thing is, I get really mad at PUV and private car drivers who are doing the same thing. If there are risky pedestrian crossers, there are also drivers who are as irresponsible. These are the guys who are selectively colorblind to red. Every time’s a go signal for them as long as the road’s open.
It’s only when I get to sit down in the cramped jeepney that I really get to mull over the attitude that we have—commuters and drivers alike. Alexander Lacson in his book 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country wrote, “Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.” as the first of the twelve cardinal things that we ought to do. It’s really simple but if we indeed adhere to this, it can spawn a huge difference. An excerpt from the book goes this way, “Traffic rules are the simplest of our laws. If we learn to follow them, it will be the lowest form of national discipline that we can develop. Since it is totally without monetary cost, it should be easy for us to comply with, and therefore should provide a good start.”
It actually boils down to self-discipline and responsibility. The theory is simple: small acts like obeying traffic rules could go a long way not just in healing a wounded nation, but in improving one of our many self-defeating traits and attitudes.
Now, I always wait for my green light, and trust me, it doesn’t hurt to do so.
It actually boils down to self-discipline and responsibility. The theory is simple: small acts like obeying traffic rules could go a long way not just in healing a wounded nation, but in improving one of our many self-defeating traits and attitudes.
Now, I always wait for my green light, and trust me, it doesn’t hurt to do so.