CHIZ: HIGHER TRAFFIC FINES WON'T REDUCE ROAD ACCIDENTS

Opposition senator Chiz Escudero said road discipline will not improve even if the DOTC increases fines on drivers for violating traffic rules and regulations.

"I believe the best deterrent to preventing vehicular accidents is ensuring the certainty of punishment to ill-disciplined drivers rather than imposing higher penalties," he added.

For instance, instead of waiting for drivers to commit violations and fining them for it, he said the authorities should institute steps to prevent them from even contemplating violating traffic laws in the first place.

"One way to do this is to increase visibility at all times, especially at night when the possibility of an accident is greater," Escudero said.

He also suggested the use of cameras at areas where traffic is heavier to monitor actual violations by drivers.

He questioned the actual cause of the increase in the number of road accidents as mentioned by the DOTC.

"I drive daily on Manila's roads, and the condition of many is really bad. It is also a fact that many streets and highways are poorly lit, and this makes driving quite difficult."

Some accidents are caused by vehicles breaking down. "The authorities must see to it that every vehicle is road-worthy," he added.

He noted that public transport drivers have complained about the habit of some traffic authorities to lurk in the shadows and wait for drivers to commit violations before pouncing on them.

"These unscrupulous traffic enforcers are only after making a fast buck," he said.

Traffic signs should also be more visible and drivers must be required to attend seminars on road safety upon renewal of their licenses, or if they are found to have been responsible for accidents.

"Why do we have to pick on the lowly driver who is simply trying to earn a decent living? We do not need to burden him any further. This kind of knee-jerk reaction by the DOTC serves no purpose."