What part of “No U-turn” does this driver not understand?
Posted on 07-16-10 · The Mommy Journals Tags: culture, lawWhen President Noynoy Aquino decided to crack down on the illegal use of “wang-wang” (siren and blinkers combo) and commemorative vehicle license plates, I applauded. About time that cocky bastards on the streets got what they deserved — including government officials and lawyers sporting those “MAYOR”, “COUNCILOR” and “LAWYER” plates that seem to tell the traffic cops and aides that they’re not persons to be messed with.
In the apprehensions that followed, I was dumb-founded by the excuses of drivers and vehicle owners. Probably one of the most notorious cases involves the vehicle of former Lower House Representative Annie Susano which was caught using an expired number “8″ plate, reserved for incumbent members of Congress. The occupants of the vehicle were adamant when apprehended, bandying the name of the former congresswoman.
In the enforcement of the number coding scheme, a vehicle driven by a mother, child in tow, was flagged down. The mother started berating the traffic cops saying her child was “special” and had to be brought to therapy. Wow, that is an emergency?
The thing is, everyone always has an excuse for violating the law. Doctors, for instance, like to stick “Doctor On Call” on their windshields even when getting dinner at Dampa Sa Libis. Media personnel like to hang PRESS IDs prominently on the rearview mirror.
I don’t know what the excuse of this Pajero owner/driver is for ignoring a “No U-turn” sign.
People keep talking about wanting change. Change for the better. Yet, many are not willing to change.
Citizens are forever angry at government officials who violate the law — from money issues to corruption charges to cases involving abuse of authority. Yet, many blatantly ignore simple traffic rules. What does that kind of attitude say about us? The word hypocrisy comes to mind.
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They seem to have gotten in their heads that rules were meant for others, not them. I also applauded Noynoy’s stand on no wangwangs and no counterflow. Most especially when he, the president of the land, does not use these to his advantage. Matuto na sana tayong lahat!
Yes, ayos! nakunan ang plate! maikalat nga.
Arrogance at its prime!
I’m sure the driver felt na ang galing-galing nya.
That, and he was also probably lazy.
Not that this is a defense of poor driving, but I have noticed that some of these U-turn slots are poorly placed. Speaking as a motorist, I do find myself tempted to make a U-turn at certain marked junctions even if they’re not allowed, for the simple reason that the designated U-turn slots are either smack-dab in the middle of heavy traffic, or are that far away, or both.
If the MMDA seriously wants to curb rule-breakers, I suggest that they actually get somebody who has a fucking clue as where to place these U-turn slots for maximum effect.
Not everyone will agree on where the U-turn slots should be placed. Some will be inconvenient to others; the reverse is also true. But it’s not about what’s convenient to each individual but what’s beneficial to the majority. Breaking a simple traffic law just because we are personally inconvenienced would be like breaking any law we disagree with. Is that how to achieve discipline?
“Breaking a simple traffic law just because we are personally inconvenienced would be like breaking any law we disagree with”
How about if the law is poorly conceived and pointless?
Dura lex sed lex.
Laws can be repealed.
‘that they actually get somebody who has a fucking clue as where to place these U-turn slots’ — exactly!
my husband was flagged down on a no left turn street, in an ‘unfamiliar’ road somewhere in manila… when he asked the officer why he was flagged down, the officer pointed at a “no left turn sign” that was posted way up a tree that was partly covered by a leafy branch… and we felt like watching a magician in a magic show that makes things appear…. dyaaaarrraaaannnn!!!!
It’s the pinoy attitudes: “kung makakalusot, why not.” or “ngayon lang. di na mauulit, pramis.”
Tama ka dyan… and ang galing ng timing mo at pagkaka-kuha sa plate ng Pajero!!!
Si Speedy kumuha ng photo hehehe
Great photos, Speedy!
i sooo enjoyed this piece! and the photos to boot! bravo, ms. connie and speedy! talk about vigilant concerned citizens! way to go!
Huling huli. Buti nga!!!! Dapat talaga ine-expose ang mga maling gawain na kagaya nito para unti-unting mabago ang ating bansa.
One thing that it’s very obvious in the road today, particularly busy roads, are thee jeepney drivers na mahilig sundan yung nakahinto. Yung naka-parked talaga just to wait for passengers.