Ped Xing: Why Motorists Should Give Way

The urban jungle features a landscape filled with tall concrete structures, noisy moving machines on two- or four-wheels, and a sea of people from all walks of life. It is tough to survive in the urban jungle due to its competitive nature and its dangerous environment. In fact, it can be called a killer jungle since there are 299 road accidents recorded per day along with a significant number of death count. Welcome to Metro Manila--a jungle where pedestrians constantly try to stay alive.

According to the Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System (MMARAS), there were a total of 109,322 road accidents in Metro Manila from January to December 2016. MMARAS also stated that there are 299 accidents recorded per day. From the said numbers, the data revealed that there were a significant number of hit-and-run incidents, which resulted to fatal injuries and even death to a pedestrian. The data recorded that that there were a total of 5,412 hit-and-run cases in Metro Manila. MMARAS also said that there were 195 pedestrians killed and 4,913 injured.

There are a number of reasons why a pedestrian could get hurt or killed while he/she is walking or crossing. Whatever the reason is, it all boils down to the simple concept of following the basic traffic regulations our government set for us. Republic Act No. 4136 or the "Land Transportation and Traffic Code" states that "the driver of any vehicle upon a highway within a business or residential district shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing such highway within a crosswalk, except at intersections where the movement of traffic is being regulated by a peace officer or by traffic signal."

It's clear that motorists should give way, on the given circumstance, to a pedestrian crossing (ped xing) on the pedestrian lane or crosswalk. As such, motorists should make a complete stop until the pedestrian crosses safely. Always remember to be a courteous rather than a rude motorist. However, pedestrians doesn't always get the right of way as RA 4136 also states that "every pedestrian crossing a highway within a business or residential district, at any point other than a crosswalk shall yield the right of way to vehicles upon the highway." In other words, the pedestrian's priority is non existent if he/she is not using the proper crosswalk.

Crosswalks or pedestrian lanes and foot bridges are there for a reason as these provide safety for all ped xing. Sad reality though, some pedestrians are too lazy to use the crosswalks or foot bridges. Moreover, the use of crosswalks or foot bridges are not strongly implemented in Metro Manila, and even in other provincial roads. It is as if some pedestrians value comfort rather than safety. It is true that motorists should give way to a pedestrian if he/she is crossing on the proper crosswalk. This act of giving way to a pedestrian is mandated by law but, it also has its limits. The bottom line here is that both motorists and pedestrians should co-exist and be responsible enough to know what’s right and wrong. Afterall, rules are what separates us from animals.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Here’s what to expect at the 'Araw ng Tamaraw' tomorrow
    Here’s what to expect at the 'Araw ng Tamaraw' tomorrow
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • JAC PH boosts expansion efforts, opens Iloilo dealership
    JAC PH boosts expansion efforts, opens Iloilo dealership
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Suzuki PH launches ‘Yuletide Savings Holiday Promo’
    Suzuki PH launches ‘Yuletide Savings Holiday Promo’
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Changan expands footprint in PH, opens Dumaguete dealership
    Changan expands footprint in PH, opens Dumaguete dealership
    Ruben Manahan IV . Dec 04, 2024
  • ACMobility creates EV charging hub in U.P. Town Center
    ACMobility creates EV charging hub in U.P. Town Center
    Ruben Manahan IV . Dec 03, 2024
  • Zigwheels PH Top 5 most searched models for 2024
    Zigwheels PH Top 5 most searched models for 2024
    Paulo Papa . Dec 04, 2024
  • Ford Ranger Raptor vs. Toyota Hilux GR-S: tough truck skirmish
    Ford Ranger Raptor vs. Toyota Hilux GR-S: tough truck skirmish
    Cesar Miguel . Dec 04, 2024
  • Suzuki S-Presso AGS: how roomy is its cabin?
    Suzuki S-Presso AGS: how roomy is its cabin?
    Paulo Papa . Dec 04, 2024
  • BYD Seal 5 DM-i: pros and cons
    BYD Seal 5 DM-i: pros and cons
    Paulo Papa . Dec 02, 2024
  • Here are the top automotive technologies for 2024
    Here are the top automotive technologies for 2024
    Paulo Papa . Dec 02, 2024
  • Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 08, 2024
  • Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Paulo Papa . Jan 03, 2024
  • PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    Paulo Papa . Dec 15, 2023
  • Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Dec 15, 2023
  • Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Paulo Papa . Nov 14, 2023
  • 2024 Ford Explorer Limited: reliable 6th man
    2024 Ford Explorer Limited: reliable 6th man
    Ruben Manahan IV . Dec 02, 2024
  • Honda Civic RS e:HEV: refined, athletic
    Honda Civic RS e:HEV: refined, athletic
    Cesar Miguel . Nov 28, 2024
  • Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4X4: rugged, refined
    Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4X4: rugged, refined
    Paulo Papa . Nov 19, 2024
  • MG One Lux: smooth operator
    MG One Lux: smooth operator
    Cesar Miguel . Nov 15, 2024
  • Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept: what we have learned so far
    Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Concept: what we have learned so far
    Ruben Manahan IV . Nov 05, 2024