Prioritizing safety
IN THE WAKE of a tragic road incident in Iloilo City that claimed the life of a call center agent, calls for enhanced road safety measures have emerged, drawing attention to a significant yet often overlooked aspect of public transportation safety: the sobriety of drivers.
The Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperative and Corporations (WVATCC), along with local transport leaders, has taken a commendable step forward by advocating for mandatory drug testing for minibus drivers. This proposal is essential, aiming to safeguard the lives of passengers and pedestrians alike.
The recent accident in Barangay Airport, Mandurriao district, where a call center agent fell victim to a minibus, is a grim reminder of the consequences of neglecting the well-being and fitness of those behind the wheel. The reaction from the local government and the transport community underscores a collective understanding of the urgency of this issue. The endorsement of drug testing by WVATCC and the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative is a positive shift towards prioritizing passenger safety over operational convenience.
The rationale behind this move is straightforward – operating a vehicle under the influence of illegal substances not only impairs a driver’s judgment but also significantly increases the risk of accidents. By instituting routine and random drug tests, transport operators can ensure that only those fully capable and sober are entrusted with the lives of their passengers. It is a basic but powerful measure that can prevent tragedies and promote a culture of responsibility and safety.
Moreover, the call for re-training minibus drivers, as supported by both transport leaders and Mayor Jerry Treñas, complements the push for drug testing. This holistic approach to driver fitness — combining substance abuse prevention with enhanced training on traffic discipline — addresses both the physical and cognitive aspects of safe driving.
Critics might argue that such measures impose additional burdens on drivers and operators, potentially leading to privacy concerns or financial strain. However, these challenges are not insurmountable and pale in comparison to the value of human life. The cost of implementing drug testing and re-training programs is an investment in safety, yielding dividends in the form of reduced accidents, saved lives, and the trust of the commuting public.
Adherence to traffic rules is paramount for the safety of all road users. The recent incident, while heartbreaking, provides an opportunity for collective action and improvement from all stakeholders — local government, transport operators, drivers, and the community.
Our roads should be conduits of safe passage, not sites of preventable tragedy.