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Hit and Run
“Glo Baloloy, 39 years old, was crossing the Magsaysay Avenue (in
front of Bicol Convenience store) last Saturday late afternoon
(January 7) when she was hit by a passing motorcycle. The impact
was so great that Glo fell down unconscious. The driver of the
motorcycle stood up, rode the motorcycle again, and hastily run
away with his two companions from the scene of the accident.
Several bystanders and other motorists got the plate number of the
motorcycle, and got a good look at the driver. One of the
witnesses is a driver of a van that took pity on Glo, and rushed
her to the Bicol Medical Center.
Glo was brought to the Emergency Room with serious body and head
injuries that she even vomited blood. The scanners at Mother Seton
Hospital showed that she got massive brain hemorrhage and needed
to be operated on immediately. The operation took four hours in
the early morning of the next day. Glo is now comatose, and her
vital signs remain weak.
***
In the Emergency Room where Glo was brought on the same night, we
saw four other patients being treated due to accidents involving
motorcycles. It made us wonder as to how many accidents and
fatalities involving motorcycle occur daily, monthly, and
annually. Maybe the grim statistics will let us ponder if the
streets in Naga City are still safe for the pedestrian amidst the
proliferation of motorcycles. Aside from the Land Transportation
Office (LTO), can’t the city hall keep a database of all
motorcycle owners plying Naga City, their addresses, plate numbers
to refer to, in case accidents like these happen? What measures
will the city government institute in order to ensure the safety
of the motorcycle riders in particular, and the pedestrians, and
the public, in general?
Maybe the rising cost of gasoline, increasing fares, and the
worsening traffic situation in Naga had prodded a lot of people to
purchase a motorcycle. As a consequence of the increase in demand,
competing motorcycle dealers proliferate and outdo each other by
offering the best bargain prices, and the easiest installment plan
for the customers. And because of this, it is easy and affordable
to own a motorbike nowadays. Commuting by motorcycles prove to be
convenient and economical in reporting to work, bringing the
children to school, marketing, cruising the streets, or going to
scenic spots.
But perhaps, a more important point to consider would be: IS IT
SAFE?
***
Perhaps, one of the primary concerns of the newly-established
Public Safety Office of Naga City, is to properly regulate the use
of motorcycles, and come up with necessary measures to ensure the
safety of the pedestrians. The Naga Consumer Watch also enjoins
Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado and the City Council to immediately enact
a city ordinance that will authorize the Public Safety Office
headed by Mr. Lito del Rosario to enforce the regulation on
motorcycles plying in Naga City. Here are some of our unsolicited
suggestions:
l A speed limit must be strictly enforced within Naga City. Most
of the accidents concerning motorcycles are due to over speeding
in the narrow, and mostly residential areas and school zones. The
“fast and furious” drivers may have fancied themselves as
motor-cross champions on top their powerful motorbikes.
l Motorcycles must be vividly visible to the other motorists and
pedestrians at all times. Since the motorcycles today are getting
sleek and smaller, there is a danger that these cannot be seen
plainly, unlike other bigger mobile motor vehicles. Motorcycles
must therefore be required to switch on their headlights while
running in the streets all the time, day and night. We were
informed that in US, Japan, and other countries, the motorcycle
headlights are designed to automatically switch on once the
ignition key is turned. The purpose of this is to make the
motorcycles visible and to alert other motorists and the
pedestrians albeit minimal additional fuel consumption.
l Strictly enforce the use of crash helmets of the drivers and
back riders. The use of baseball and construction helmets must be
strictly not allowed. Back riders must be limited only to one
person at all times.
l Strictly enforce the age qualification of motorcycle drivers.
Only persons who are 16 years old and above should be allowed to
drive the motorcycles in the city streets. Drivers must also show
proof of their motorcycle riding skills and the familiarity with
the type of motorcycles being used, after acquiring a valid
driver’s license from the LTO. Drivers must also be given
sufficient orientation and information on traffic rules and
regulations, and road courtesy.
l Make the manufacturers and dealers liable for selling
motorcycles that may be sub-standard, defective and unsafe to the
users. Quality standards must be maintained to ensure safety
amidst the proliferation of cheap, and imported motorcycles in the
market.
l To avoid noise pollution which disturb the peace and tranquility
of the streets and community, all motorcycles must be required to
use mufflers at all times. The owners must also ensure that the
headlight, stop lights, and signal lights of their motorbikes are
functional and in good condition.
l Require all motorcycle owners plying within the streets of Naga
City to register with the Public Safety Office for monitoring and
regulatory purposes. A sticker will be used in the motorcycle and
must include the control number, name of the owner/drivers, home
address, date purchased, vendor, and other registered drivers of
the motorcycle. This will greatly help curve the rampant theft and
carjacking of motorcycles in the city, and facilitate faster
recovery of same. Furthermore, said measure will easily identify
the motorcycles used as getaway vehicles of criminals committing
crimes like snatching, kidnapping, and ambuscades.
Please send your comments and other suggestions regarding this
issue. Write this column at hamodyong@hotmail.com. In case of
emergency, and you need prompt assistance, you can call the Public
Safety Office at telephone number 472 6265
***
Last January 10, or three days after the near-fatal accident, the
“hit and run” driver of the yellow Honda motorcycle with plate
number EQ 1145 was identified. He is Mr. Eduardo Dequina, a
resident of 31 San Jose Street, Penafrancia, Naga City. The
motorbike he was using then is registered in the name of his
father-in-law, Mr. Wilfredo C. Mojico of Canda Street, Concepcion
Pequena, Naga City. Immediately, police investigators have
conducted an investigation for possible criminal charges against
the driver and his companions.
Today, January 11, at two o’clock in the morning, Glo Baloloy
expired.
Allow me to mention that it was through the relentless effort and
tenacity of Mr. Lito del Rosario, and the Public Safety office
that helped facilitate the identification of the “hit and run”
driver. This column also commends Naga City vice mayor Gabby
Bordado who personally monitored the prompt resolution of this
case. We hope that he will also make appropriate measures to
ensure that the city streets of Naga will be made safer for all of
us.
QUOTES
“The best way I know to win an argument is to start by being in
the right.” - Lord Hailsham
“There is no security on this earth, there is only
opportunity.” - Gen. Douglas Mac Arthur
