There’s no "buckling up" in Cebu

I spent the greater part of the Holy Week in the "Queen City of the South" – Cebu and aside from appreciating the awesome sight of this progressive city’s vast development and modernization while driving around, what struck me most was the feeling of being a square peg in a round hole being almost by my lonesome wearing a seatbelt.

There was so much to say about Cebu, like the newly put up Hilton Hotel and Resort where we stayed, the fish sanctuary where we snorkeled, the clear water, the clean beaches, the fresh seafood, the very warm people, etc., etc., but what stood out most among my friends that I bragged Cebu about was the fact that the "Seatbelt Law" seemed to be non-existent in that near-paradise of a place.

The common reaction was to blame the local government in, first, failing to inform the people about the importance of seatbelts while driving or riding and second, the failure to implement the law.

There’s also this contention that the automobile manufacturers and distributors should find it incumbent upon themselves to initiate an educational program among their customers to inform them that the "airbag", which is now a standard in most vehicle models, works hand-in-hand with the seatbelts in increasing the chances of survival or mitigating the injuries of passengers during road accidents such as collisions. The motoring public should be informed that those who are not using seatbelts are exposed to higher risks during collisions when their airbags inflate.

I must admit that the implementation of the "Seatbelt Law" in Metro Manila still has a lot to be desired, especially when you see how most of the public utility drivers go around driving without being buckled up with those driving commercial vehicles having just the feeble attempt to at least abide by the law and not really for their safety. But then, you see most drivers of private vehicles wearing their seatbelts. Maybe some just to abide by the law, which is being implemented but most because they know they need to buckle up in order to be safer while on the road.

Believe me, Cebu is such a great place to be but I fear for the safety of the motorists who don’t wear seatbelts – and their local government seems oblivious to the risk.

Mail Call

It’s been quite a while that I have not acknowledged letters that I receive in this column. Before they again pile up, allow me to pick out some.

Reader Mr. Noli Silvestre, a daily motorcyclist, expressed the concern he shares with many of those who have adopted his daily mode of transport regarding the condition of street manholes that are "either lower or higher than the level of the road." This is a road condition that’s an imminent danger for motorcyclists. He also cites the hordes of MMDA traffic enforcers stationed at MIA / Tambo road "who do nothing, considering that the intersection has traffic lights, but look out for motorists who inadvertently commit traffic infractions due to the confusing signs instead of guiding them".

Unfortunately Noli, as long as corruption abounds in the government and in our culture, we will find it hard to have roads that strictly comply with specifications and international standards. With regard to the traffic enforcers in the site that you have mentioned, you’re not the first to express such observation yet the MMDA seems not to care at all. Maybe somebody should "spray paint" enforcers who make "kotong" for them to be easily identified. That would really make this a very colorful metropolis. Now, "spray paint" politicians that engage in graft and corruption? What a colorful government we might end up with!

Mr. George Quirino writes his concern about motorists coming from the Blue Wave-Petron station "that cross four lanes to get to EDSA instead of making the round-about at the SM Mall of Asia to the detriment of the safety and convenience of motorists along Macapagal Avenue as they wantonly block the traffic."

George, the only way to stop this inconsiderate and unsafe practice of some motorists is to always have a traffic enforcer in the area to direct them. Or maybe some traffic engineering, like barriers. I heard someone suggested "shoot anyone who does it". I hope he’s kidding.

Another reader, Ms. Josephine Banaag, writes about the "noisy and smoke-belching tricycles that abound almost everywhere in the country". She also expressed her contempt for their drivers who violate traffic rules like it was their birthright "with the traffic enforcers uselessly watching them".

Josephine, I think there should be a law prohibiting motorcycle manufacturers and distributors from selling bikes that are fitted with noisy bike mufflers or those that don’t work at all. That’ll probably cause the closure of half of them.

A Pinoy working in Thailand, Mr. Arthur Condes reads this column and writes about "the extensive use of LPG/CNG in taxies and buses in Thailand and hopes to see its similar expansive use in the country".

A lot of taxies have opted to convert to LPG in the country lately, Arthur, although the safety factor or the apprehension of many operators would still need to be addressed to have a wider patronage.

Pit Lane Notes

"Is it the man or the machine?"

The proverbial debate continues among the racing enthusiasts as to what matters more in winning. But some people may have changed sides after defending double world champion Fernando Alonzo took the lead in this year’s World Formula One Series, both for himself and his new team when he registered his first win for the McLaren Mercedes-Benz team last Sunday in the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The youngest ever world F1 champion in history started 2nd in the grid but caught pole-sitter Ferrari diver Felipe Massa napping when the starting lights went out and took the lead at the first corner in Sepang. The 25-year old Spaniard had his team-mate, Briton Lewis Hamilton right behind for the rookie’s second successive podium finish in his first two races (a record-setting performance following a similar feat by fellow Briton Peter Arundell in a Lotus in 1964 – so the record book says). The 22-year old Hamilton, the first ever black F1 driver came in 3rd during the 1st leg of the series in Australia last month – a podium finish on his maiden race.

The dominant one-two finish by the McLaren Mercedes-Benz team ended a 20-race "shut out" since their last recorded win in 2005 in Suzuka during the Japanese Grand Prix.

Ferrari is still a close second in the Constructor’s contest with a 3rd place finish by former McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen who hopes to turn the tables on his former team when they meet again in Sakhir this Sunday, April 15 for the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Another chance to see the highlights

Those who missed watching the live coverage of the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix last Sunday would still have the chance to see the exciting highlights of the 2nd leg of the this year’s F1 series on Race Weekend, one of the most watched segments of the TV show Motoring Today (Sunday, 4 pm, Solar Sports Channel), the longest-running motoring program on Philippine television being on its 20th year of non-stop broadcast. One of the many reasons why racing enthusiasts watch this weekly portion is that it is their chance to see again or for the first time, the thrilling highlights of all the legs of World Formula One Series to include all those of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and other international motor sports events.

Motoring Tip of the Week

For those who just came from out-of-town trips with their vehicles, especially from long rides and those who stayed near the beach or the sea, a thorough car wash would do wonders for your trusty automobile.

Having stayed near the sea or the beach may have unnecessarily exposed your vehicles to sea water or even just spray, which can leave salt residues on your vehicles. A well-deserved car detailing job is something your automobile deserves after serving you during your vacation. This will not only help prolong the life of your vehicle, it can also make it look a lot better after a tiring drive.

Happy Motoring!!!

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