Resolution to curb vehicular accidents involving pedestrians eyed
Mabilog
Vice Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has proposed the strict implementation of the law requiring motorists to observe a speed of 20 kph when passing blind corners and school zones.
Mabilog observed that every year the number of accidents involving pedestrians keep on increasing.
The vice mayor plans to pass a resolution to strictly implement Section 35 of Republic Act 4136 known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Under the said law, drivers are required to observe the speed of 20 kph in crowded streets approaching the blind corners, passing school zones, passing over vehicles which are stationary or for similar dangerous circumstances.
Records show that from February to June of this year 332 vehicular accidents involving pedestrians occurred in Iloilo City. The data is much higher compared with the 2006 data of the same period in which only 139 cases were recorded.
Mabilog's proposed resolution was scheduled for deliberation in last Wednesday's regular session. He, however deferred the discussion of his proposed resolution to pave way for the State of the City Address of Mayor Jerry Treñas. He will present the same proposal in the next session of the city council.
In his proposed resolution Mabilog likewise pushes that signs indicating the 20 kph speed along the school zones should be put in place to give warning or reminder to the drivers. Mabilog said he can source out donations from the private sector regarding the signs.
Mabilog also said the city can afford to purchase a "radar gun" to determine the speed limit of the vehicles.
"If the city can afford to buy high sodium lights, then it can also afford to buy the radar gun," he said.
The vice mayor deemed the implementation of such law will lessen the number of accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians and will benefit the private and public schools in the city. There are 52 elementary schools and 13 high schools in the city.