The Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) strengthened its call for discipline and responsibility on the road, reminding Dabawenyos that upholding traffic rules and practicing everyday orderliness are vital to keeping the city streets safe and secure.
Atty. Tristan Dwight P. Domingo Acting Department Head of the CTTMO, delivered the reminder during the ISpeak Media Conference on Thursday, saying that achieving an efficient transport system relies on the shared commitment of every Dabawenyo motorist and pedestrian through a positive and disciplined approach to road safety.
“Mag amping ta and be also mindful of road signages nga naa ta. Kita mismo, disciplined ourselves and play our role and be mindful citizen’s pod. When we go out, kung manabok ta, manabok ta sa saktong dalan or sa pedestrian lane (Let us all take care and be mindful of the road signage around us. We must discipline ourselves, play our role, and be responsible citizens. When we go out, if we need to cross, we should cross at the proper place, on the pedestrian lane),” he said.
“Discipline plays a huge role in how we can improve safety not only on the flow of traffic but also the safety,” he added.
Under the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City, residents are reminded to use pedestrian lanes for safe crossings and to take overpasses to ensure secure passage across busy roads.
The traffic code also emphasizes proper parking in designated areas to prevent inconvenience to other motorists and to maintain safe sidewalks for pedestrians.
Motorcycle riders who also fail to yield to pedestrians face fines ranging from Php 500 to Php 1,500 for first-time violators, while repeat offenders may incur fines of between Php 1,000 and Php 3,000.
Meanwhile, City Ordinance 0270-23, or the Speed Limit Ordinance of Davao City, sets maximum speed limits across city streets to safeguard both motorists and pedestrians.
Violators of the ordinance face fines of Php 1,000 for the first offense, Php 2,000 for the second offense, and Php 3,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.
He also urged motorists to take proactive care of their vehicles by checking fuel levels, brakes, and tires before heading out, noting that even simple routine checks can prevent breakdowns that often lead to traffic congestion and accidents.
“Everybody has a role to play. That is one thing we would like for us to understand when it comes to traffic. Because as simple as taking care of your vehicle nga masiguro nga dili ka madaotan sa dalan which I think is a primary responsibility of any vehicle owner, dako kaayong tabang (Everybody has a role to play. That is one thing we would like for us to understand when it comes to traffic. Because as simple as taking care of your vehicle to make sure it won’t break down on the road, which I think is a primary responsibility of any vehicle owner, is a huge help),” he said.
Atty. Domingo also added that their office can only do so much in enforcing traffic laws due to limited personnel, however, with the cooperation of every Dabawenyo, the city can cultivate a secure and disciplined environment for everyone.
“Discipline in taking care of our own vehicles, disciplined on following traffic signs or traffic signals. So, we just have to instill discipline and hopefully everybody will pitch in,” he added. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal