"I'm sorry I'm late, I was stuck in a traffic."
This is the reason that we usually hear when someone came late to a meeting or work. If "traffic" is just a man, he would've been the greatest villain of all time stealing every minute up to an hour from every person every day.
Traffic is also the culprit for the "one that got away". Many times, traffic is always to blame for every failure we experienced. Traffic, traffic, traffic is what our famous of.
Traffic is the greatest problem that the Philippine government has been dealing with ever since we don't know. Some say that if only our traffic system will be better, our economy will be too. Because trading will run fast and smooth with no extra charges of burnt fuel from being stagnant.
Number coding where vehicles have a one day off the road depending on the ending of registration plate. (phew! That was tongue twisting) Limiting provincial buses on the highways. And the most recent that is still being studied is the High Occupancy Vehicle where NO vehicle would drive with only a driver alone. There should be at least one passenger.
These are just some few rules and policies that are being implemented to reduce the volume of the vehicle on the road and to improve the traffic system.
But we are missing that the BIG problem may come from the smallest part of it. Commuters are greatest complainants which in fact we, pedestrians could also be the cause of what we complain.
In one of the growing town in the metro, in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, they implemented a new pedestrian lane. In which, taking care of the safety of the pedestrian and at the same time ease of crossing the road.
They call it Pedestrians have right of way.
It is just amazing. BGC has been prioritizing pedestrians ever since the small "city" has been developed. Providing enough walkways and pedestrian lanes. And each vehicle should stop whenever a pedestrian is crossing. If not, come on! A ticket will be issued.
And this initiative is another "NEW". Though I saw the same in other countries from the movies, I think in Tokyo. But I never thought that it is really safe and effective.
Pedestrians have right of way. All lanes of vehicles will be put on red light and letting all pedestrians on green light. Cross to the other side or other corner, go on, all vehicles are holding their brakes. We are safe.
In my opinion, this system will work most especially in busy places like schools and malls to name a few. Or in every intersection where pedestrians are having a hard time crossing the road because of the cars and trucks rushing and most of the time stops right on top of the pedestrian lane, putting people on danger.
This could be a start and I am just hoping that this system will be a role model for every city. This could also improve our traffic system because everyone on the road is organized.
And to us, let's be mindful in using the road. Yes, we have the right of way, and we also have the right to follow rules. Whether as a pedestrian, commuter or driver, let's follow policies for a better and organized road. Just Respect each other's right.