EDITORIAL - A revived campaign

The Metro Manila Development Authority is breathing new life into the campaign against jaywalking. This time, the campaign has a mascot to emphasize that jaywalking can be fatal.

The previous MMDA leadership tried everything, from building more pedestrian footbridges to regularly rounding up jaywalkers and even dousing offenders with water – a controversial measure that was quickly stopped amid an uproar by human rights groups. Signs were also installed along several major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, warning the public about spots where jaywalkers have been fatally run over by passing vehicles.

Those measures, however, have failed to persuade pedestrians to use designated lanes for crossing streets. The MMDA reported that last year, 174 pedestrians died after being hit by speeding vehicles. The MMDA also recorded 5,348 road accidents in Metro Manila – 54 percent of the total, or a daily average of 14 – caused by pedestrians. In 2010, 167 pedestrian deaths were recorded.

Last year, following a spate of fatal pedestrian accidents particularly along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, a woman was shown on TV jaywalking. After she had crossed the wide avenue, she told an interviewer that she was not worried about being hit by a vehicle. What was meant to be, the woman said, was meant to be.

Filipinos may be fatalistic, but they can be made to stop jaywalking through sustained and effective enforcement of the law. Jaywalking carries a fine of P200 – up by P50 starting last week. Apprehended jaywalkers can either pay up or attend a seminar on disaster preparedness. Senior citizens are exempted from the fine but must undergo a 15-minute seminar.

Yesterday, the first day of the revived campaign, the MMDA apprehended 164 jaywalkers. Some paid the fine; others opted for the seminar. Regardless of the penalty that is preferred, the experience is sure to teach a lesson on the perils of jaywalking. A campaign that saves lives and reduces the risk of road accidents must be sustained.