ILOILO City – A viral video showing an alleged illegal motorcycle drag race along the Diversion Road (Sen. Benigno Aquino S. Avenue) in Mandurriao district has prompted a call for an immediate crackdown.
Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna urged the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and other law enforcement agencies to identify those involved and impose sanctions to deter reckless racing that endangers the public.
The chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Transportation and Public Safety said public roads are intended for transportation — not racing — and stressed that motorists who disregard speed limits place the lives of commuters, pedestrians and fellow motorists at risk.
The date when the viral video was taken has yet to be determined.
“Our roads are meant to be shared responsibly. Drivers should respect the speed limit because it is there to protect not only themselves but everyone using the road,” Cabaluna said.
Those engaging in drag racing have nothing to gain from such dangerous behavior, he stressed, adding that national roads are built to serve public transportation and daily travel, not as venues for racing or dangerous stunts.
Holding violators accountable would discourage similar incidents and strengthen discipline among motorists, Cabaluna explained.
Some motorists may feel emboldened to race because they believe traffic enforcers are absent from the area during certain hours, he further warned.
“That mindset has to change. Even if enforcement is not immediately visible, motorists have the responsibility to obey traffic rules at all times,” he said./PN
