#CulturePH - Brakes, Buses, and Getting Home Safe: Why Road Safety Starts Before the Journey
Most of us don’t think twice about the brakes on the jeepney, bus, or van we hop into every day. We’re busy scrolling through our phones, planning dinner, or just trying to catch a few minutes of peace before the next stop. But what if I told you that nearly half of the public utility vehicles (PUVs) on the road aren’t passing basic brake safety tests? That’s not just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call for anyone who’s ever relied on public transport to get home.
Recently, I came across a conversation that hit close to home. It was a roundtable of road safety advocates, transport operators, and data experts, all coming together with one goal: making sure we all get home safely. They weren’t just talking about rules and regulations—they were talking about real lives, real families, and the everyday commute that connects us all.
Here’s the thing: from January to September this year, almost 47% of PUVs inspected in the Philippines failed brake safety standards. That’s not just a number; it’s a reminder that every time we step onto a bus or hail a jeep, we’re putting our trust in systems that need to work. And for many of us—especially those who depend on public transport the most—this isn’t just about convenience. It’s about safety, peace of mind, and the simple hope of getting home in one piece.
What struck me most was how universal the concern is. According to a recent survey, 8 out of 10 Filipinos worry about road accidents. And it’s not just a vague fear—it’s something that weighs heaviest on those who rely on public transport every single day. As the holidays approach and the roads get busier, that anxiety only grows.
But here’s where the story shifts from worry to action. The advocates at the roundtable weren’t just pointing fingers—they were rolling up their sleeves and calling for real change. They want mandatory brake testing for all PUVs, not as another layer of bureaucracy, but as a life-saving measure. It’s about making sure that every vehicle on the road is truly roadworthy, and that inspections aren’t just a formality, but a genuine safeguard for everyone.
What I love about this movement is the sense of shared responsibility. It’s not just up to the government or the drivers—it’s about all of us. The more we talk about these issues, the more we demand transparency and accountability, the safer our roads become. And honestly, isn’t that what we all want? To know that when we wave goodbye to our loved ones in the morning, we’ll see them again at the end of the day.
So next time you step onto a bus or flag down a jeep, take a moment to think about the journey—not just the destination. Road safety isn’t just about rules; it’s about people, families, and the everyday moments that matter most. And maybe, just maybe, by paying attention and speaking up, we can help make every ride a little safer for everyone.
Comments
Post a Comment