Here's a theory about road mishaps...
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27560)
Philippines
May 16, 2011 8:10am CST
This is something bad, and would definitely leave a bad taste to the mouth, but I believe that public utility vehicle drivers do intend to hurt and kill people on the roads.
Why do I say this?... because no matter what the traffic enforcers do, bus drivers and jeepney drivers continue to crash on other smaller vehicles. These drivers are hiding under the notion that they are speeding because they need to reach a quota for the day, a boundary that they have to pay the vehicle operators or owners. Truth is, these drivers do not care if they hurt anyone, everybody dies anyway. If the poor people die without a fight, so those who are a bit comfortable, or those who are rich, also can die. So, these drivers simply don't care if people die...
Three times had my vehicle been hit by jeeps, and all the drivers shouted it was my fault. How could it be when I was hit at the back. And all of them said that all their passengers were witnesses to my recklessness.
I think these drivers are looking for something to hurt...so at least somebody else would be miserable, like them.
I think these drivers are looking for something to hurt...so at least somebody else would be miserable, like them.6 people like this
11 responses
@Sanitary (3968)
• Singapore
17 May 11
Yes, whenever accidents happens, the one who causes it will be quick to point fingers to the victims, saying it's their fault. When a person is guilty, they tend to jump to quick conclusions so that when others are busy defending themselves, there's no one to pin point them. I hate such drivers and if it's really not my fault, i will be sure to call in the police. IN your case, since u are hit from the back, u are definitely not in the wrong.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
19 May 11
I was confused the first time it happened to me. I didn't understand why the driver was shouting at me, citing my lack of driving skills, calling me female and telling me my place is somewhere else but never the road. Then I called a cousin licensed to uphold the law, he told me it was a tactic to dishearten me and not pursue a case...
1 person likes this
@Sanitary (3968)
• Singapore
20 May 11
Female drivers are always being critized as bad drivers. Man can't take the fact that we are out on the same road, and they tend to bully us. I have met my fair share of such drivers, honking or tail gating when they can actually overtake.
U should not be afraid, go ahead, call the police and add one more charge to the male driver, of being sexism. Let him be an example for all other male drivers out there.
@shattered (1728)
• Philippines
17 May 11
Their really is a problem with the system. I don't think their is an intention to hurt. I do agree that there is recklessness in their desire to reach their quotas and increase their earnings, whatever the costs.
The government should heed these warning signs and start changing the system. Not only ill the traffic situation be handled but the safety of the people would also be secured.
Commission on the earnings is really a bad system, it makes drivers "park" on loading areas and rush to the next one without regard to property and life. It's sad but this is what it will be unless someone takes a stand on this.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
19 May 11
Hi shattered, you are very kind and I believe that you give everyone the benefit of the doubt always. I may be one wary soul, spotting instantly how deprived people want to take vengeance for their poor and miserable lives. I do wish I am wrong, but I clearly see otherwise
.
.@shattered (1728)
• Philippines
20 May 11
eileen, I just hope I am right. No point getting offended by the acts of other people. Just makes my days worse when it happens. I try to just let it go and make sure I stay away from reckless drivers when I'm on the road!
Drive safe!
@jazel_juan (15747)
• Philippines
17 May 11
I so agree, sad to say these drivers forgot that their responsibilities is to bring their passengers safely and their responsibility too in the road is not limited to the vehicle they are driving, they should also be aware of the other vehicles on the road. But reality is they do not care anymore! As long as they are earning money, they are reaching their quota...that is enough. Honestly they themselves are miserable, they need be apathetic of other people's lives because they are so much miserable in their own.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
19 May 11
But when I listen to reports that all our senators and congressmen are multi-millionaires, if I were a lowly driver, honestly, I also would want to hit back for my miserable existence.
The Filipinos has a lot of relearning to do, beginning with a lesson on justice for all!
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
17 May 11
Hello my friend eileenleyva Ji,
Well, whatever you have spilled out beans from bottom of your heart, holds good for everyone here. But I have been guided by an learning example by a blind person carrying a lit candle in his hand, while walking on the road. When asked, whaty was the reason, as he could never see it, he said, it was meant for others to keep them away from him. Now let's apply same concept so that you are safe and no one blames you. Befor you are dashed from rear, also there is a standing rule that rear vehicle must maintain a safe distance. So I think they should be booked by law for not maintaing that distance as well. Thanks.
May God bless You and have a great time.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
19 May 11
Hello my friend eileenleyva Ji,
So nice of you for your immediate and prompt positive commenyts. Let's improve our system. Thanks.
May God bless You and have a great time.
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
19 May 11
Such a touching story, and may the people pretending to be blind understand the meaning of this story.
1 person likes this
@Cutie18f (9551)
• Philippines
17 May 11
You are so right. These drivers need to be tested psychologically because I think it's their crazy minds that make them do what they do on the road. It is too dangerous to make these lunatics drive big trucks or buses carrying passengers. They have to undergo psychological testing because I think their mood swings greatly affect their driving. These unfit drivers should be pulled out from the roads.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
20 May 11
Cutie, blood is in the hands of the LTO employees. They allowed the dumb to drive.
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
19 May 11
They say drivers assume a different persona when they are controlling the wheel...
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
20 May 11
I had never heard of this, but since I am not from the Philippines, I probably wouldn't. In America, all drivers are held to the same standards and if a bus driver or taxi driver causes or is involved in an accident, it is the same as any public person. This includes long haul drivers. Do the police ever do anything against these people when they cause an accident or is it your word against theirs? I don't think I would drive if the roads were as dangerous as you make them sound in your area. I know when I was in China, I didn't even feel comfortable being in a taxi because people drove so crazy and I certainly never drove myself while I was there. Thanks for sharing this!
@krajibg (11922)
• Guwahati, India
16 May 11
Hi eileenleyva,
Very true. Similar is the scenario in our place also. These bus and jeepney drivers are reckless and most accidents, I mean road accidents take place due to their negligence and rashness.
There is kind of contest among them as to who would reach the destination first and with full passengers.
In our place over here most of the road mishaps are due to overtaking each other. As I mentioned above in the race of being the first they try to over take without caring there could be some vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
We get to read in daily news paper people killed in road accident.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
19 May 11
I have received racing challenges, too, drivers simply get your attention and nod their heads if you are up to racing...
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
16 May 11
Hello Eileen,
that's the Saddest reality in our country when it comes to Public Utility Drivers, they just don't care and only want to earn more money to pay for the quota and expenses of their family. If they have a choice, they wouldn't go for being a Jeepney driver. there was a person i knew who used to work with my dad, sells papers and all. but now, he too drives a jeepney, like all the others.but i think not all are qualified to be a real jeepney driver, some are really tend to be careless and cares only for money. .
reality in our country when it comes to Public Utility Drivers, they just don't care and only want to earn more money to pay for the quota and expenses of their family. If they have a choice, they wouldn't go for being a Jeepney driver. there was a person i knew who used to work with my dad, sells papers and all. but now, he too drives a jeepney, like all the others.but i think not all are qualified to be a real jeepney driver, some are really tend to be careless and cares only for money. . 1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
19 May 11
I am for overhauling the whole LTO. Submit all licenses and take the written and actual tests again. Believe me, 90 % of the pro will fail.
@doggydimon (1369)
• Philippines
16 May 11
With drivers like these, whatever kind of traffic policies you come up with it will end up as a failure... You can't argue with close minded people like these. All they think about is the road ahead and the income that they will generate. And the worst part of it all is that they are being tolerated by the traffic enforcers who receives some money from the jeepney drivers and their association for them to operate anywhere and however they like.
1 person likes this
