Wanted: Rationalization of street humps

The wanton construction of street humps in almost all parts of the metropolis has gone unabated. The authorities are utterly ineffective in stopping this rampant random practice not only in main streets of subdivisions but in main public thoroughfares as well. And to make matters worse, aside from being in the wrong places, most of these "speed humps" are not visibly painted in order to warn unsuspecting motorists.

As a rule these humps should be placed across side streets immediately before crossing into a main road to force drivers who mostly disregard the "stop through" sign, to stop before proceeding to cross in order to prevent smash ups with vehicles in the main road, which actually have the right of way. But in many cases you see these humps all over the place, their existence deprived of neither rhyme nor reason.

In many subdivisions like BF Homes, these are placed before and after major sub gates in order to ensure the easy access to the main road of cars coming out of these gates, very convenient indeed for these few car owners but a big hassle to the bigger number of motorists in the main road.

If I may go a little more specific, there are these two speed humps found along Doña Juana Rodriguez Ave., in Quezon City, which have been cited time and again by complaining motorists and repeatedly referred to our TV show Motoring Today and even this column. We have also repeatedly informed the past administration of the City about these complaints but our appeals have fallen into deaf ears. Considering that the abovementioned avenue is not that well-lighted, a lot of unfamiliar motorists are just jarred in surprise and at the cost of their suspension system when they unsuspectingly come across the hump, most of the time at the last minute because the humps, aside from being in the wrong place, are not visibly painted at all.

Speaking of painted humps, I would like to give credit where it’s due. The unpainted humps along Aguirre Ave., in BF Homes Parañaque, which for a long time have possibly caused some damaged suspensions to many of its unsuspecting residents, have been reported to be finally painted by UBFHAI. Whether this was in response to what we have written to this column or not does not really matter, but what matters most is that there are still a lot of humps along the same main thoroughfare that need repainting as they have faded through time and long use. But thanks to UBFHAI for doing the job anyway.

However, it is the belief of many motorists that the authorities, the MMDA or the local governments of the metro should already come up with some sort of rationalization in the setting up of these humps. Right now it’s "bara bara", maybe due to the absence of any law or ordinance prohibiting the wanton construction of these, in most instances, road hazards. Now, if there were existing legal prohibitions, the authorities should show more political will and enough teeth to have them implemented, lest we’ll find ourselves wallowing in these humps.

Maybe we can start with the main thoroughfares. Get all the humps out of them to start with. Can you imagine, there are even humps put up in intersections that have traffic lights! Where’s the rationale? The lights are already there to control traffic for a smoother flow. And all the humps do is to make the pace of the vehicles slower as they maneuver over them.

Whatever solutions the authorities may have in mind would be welcomed as long as they first recognize that indeed there exists a problem that need their immediate attention.

We address the MMDA and all the local government officials of the metropolis.

Thanks for the support guys!

Despite the teething problems that beset the last staging of the Sampaguita Rally, many have offered their continued support, especially those who have participated. They have realized that this is one motor sport where any ordinary weekend enthusiasts can join and enjoy without the astronomical costs that inevitable come in participating in most if not all many motor sports events.

Even advertisers who have gotten wind of the record-breaking field of participants have signified their interest in helping out in the sport’s revival. Indeed their encouraging response would give me the audacity and inspiration to hold the next one, which we have scheduled before the end of the year, without any hesitation or fear.

Not to go unnoticed is the support of the local media, the "motoring mafia" especially, which have been unconditional and sincere.

What can I call the agonizing efforts of friends like Ms. Pinky Colmenares, the multi-section editor of the Manila Bulletin, to wake up at dawn just to be present for a 6:30 AM flag-off. If you know Pinky, "sincere" may be less of a word to describe such a support. Then there’s also her unrelentless write-ups about the event. There are also friends like Al Mendoza of the Inquirer and Ding Marcelo of the Bulletin, who despite having overloaded sports pages, still found whatever available space for the event.

To Ron delos Reyes, Aris Ilagan, Popong Andolong, Tessa Salazar, Erle Sebastian, Raymond Tribdino, Brian Afuang, Anjo Perez, Vernon Sarne, Andy Leuterio and the rest of the "paengs" – thank you guys. Takbo tayo uli sa November. Promise! Thanks also to Honda Cars Phils, Toyota Motor Phils, Isuzu Phils Corp, Ford Motor Phils, Cats Motors, Nissan Motor Phils, PGA Cars and all the privateers. Because of all of you, there will definitely be a next one.

Honda Media Challenge: The institution

Saturday, May 18th saw the 5th staging of the now institutional Honda Media Challenge. The site was the Cultural Center of the Philippines ground just across our local World Trade Center along Roxas Blvd., and as always I saw nothing but eager and excited faces of participating motoring journalists and other members of the media.

This unique concept creatively thought of by the Honda Cars Philippines marketing and promotions group under the imaginative tutelage of Mr. Arnel Doria and capably managed by ADBM Resources lead by Ms. Belle Alba offers media practitioners who normally cover motor sport events like this, the chance to actually feel being a competitor. This gives the journalists better insights into the sport, both as a spectator and a participant, enabling them to come up with more accurate in-depth coverage after the experience.

Visibly absent were the "seniors" or members of the so-called local "motoring mafia", veterans of the first three consecutive Honda Media Challenge annual series. We were actually made to run in a separate event last year (speed rally), in order to give the novices equal opportunities to also be deeply exposed to the sport. And the list of motoring journalists seems to have more added names every year and therefore more novices to join.

Well, that event has been scrapped this year. Of course we don’t want to think that it is on account of the flip-overs and bungled up suspensions that marked last year’s staging. They are somehow undeniably part of such a competition. I’m sure Honda still has something for the "paengs" this year. Don’t you, Arnel? But no more kilometric workshops please.

Happy Motoring!!!

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