EDITORIAL - It's the driver

The debate about whether the real problem about road safety on Philippine roads lies with the driver or with his vehicle would not have been so heated and endless if we all recognize one thing: A motor vehicle will not run without a driver.

 In other words, a brand new car driven by a tuba gatherer who just hit the lotto jackpot will more likely figure in a road accident than an old dilapidated car in the hands of an able and responsible driver.

 And that is because the tuba gatherer who just won the lotto will likely own a license in one day by paying a fixer and test out his new car immediately while the able and responsible driver isn't likely to press the issue if he thinks his old dilapidated car is not safe to drive.

 A car is only as good as the man behind the wheel. If the man behind the wheel is someone who either does not know traffic and safety regulations or is irresponsible enough to ignore them is more likely to cause pain to himself and others than a practical and law-abiding driver.

 Thus, while it serves a purpose to conduct safety checks on motor vehicles, especially those belonging to a fleet with a unit that just figured in an accident, the more practical and meaningful initiative of authorities is to screw down on existing methods of licensing drivers.

 For one, the authorities must recognize that it is pure hell to secure a license. Given the chaotic environment an applicant must go through, it seems almost understandable for driver applicants to simply cut corners in securing one.

 But there lies the rub. If cutting corners is the accepted norm even while securing license, then it would not be so difficult to cut corners elsewhere later. Most drivers need to earn on a daily basis. The time they save cutting corners increases their capacity to earn.

 Making it not a breeze to secure licenses while not also taxing the health of applicants could go a long way in ensuring that those who eventually get granted licenses to drive are not addicts and thugs.