EDITORIAL - From drivers to guards

The world is not an easy place to live in given the many problems that challenge us each day of our lives. But those problems are not without solutions, and while we cannot solve all of them at once, we do get opportunities to solve them one at a time.

One problem we have been reminded of in a very tragic manner is that which involves public transport drivers who drive as if there is no tomorrow. The recent accident in Naga may have claimed 14 lives, but it also gave us the opportunity to finally deal with the problem.

If the authorities truly want to solve the problem, they must go beyond the simple drug tests that are being proposed because they only deal with those who may be taking drugs. But there are also "clean" drivers who just happen to drive like the Devil.

These drivers need to be reoriented because they probably were never inculcated with the sense of responsibility that comes with driving, having in all likelihood acquired their licenses through fraudulent means.

The problem with just about anybody acquiring licenses even if they are unschooled in road manners or are simply emotionally and psychologically unfit to be entrusted with the lives of passengers is much more pervasive than the problem of addicts behind the wheels.

These twin problems can be solved if the authorities truly want to solve them, especially now that the accident in Naga is still fresh in our minds and the ensuing resolve to do something is still strong.

Another problem involving a different sector is the apparent lack of training and professionalism of private security guards. We have recently been jolted by the news of several people getting injured because of the mishandling of guns by these guards.

Again, this problem is something that cannot be allowed to go on because the lives of people are at stake. And like the problem with drivers, we have just been reminded by tragic events. Again, we can turn tragedy into opportunities to solve these problems.