ILOILO City – Faded and barely visible pedestrian lanes are putting pedestrians at risk, prompting the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 to appeal to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to repaint worn-out crossings as part of stronger road safety measures.
LTO-6 regional director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II raised the concern following a viral video showing a pedestrian hitting a motorcycle rider who continued driving despite people crossing at a pedestrian lane. The incident also prompted the agency to remind motorists that they must stop and give way whenever pedestrians are using designated crossings.
Geduspan said obeying even basic traffic rules, particularly stopping at pedestrian lanes, could prevent accidents and confrontations between motorists and pedestrians.
“Every motorist should understand that pagtapak mo sa pedestrian lane, dapat pundo na. Nakita niyo ang viral video nga ginkadol sia (motorcycle rider), gindukol sia sang tawo. Kon sa pedestrian lane, you (driver) should stop na,” Geduspan said.
But Geduspan said road safety is also being compromised by pedestrian lanes whose markings have become so faded that motorists may have difficulty seeing them from a distance.
He recalled that pedestrian crossings in the past were equipped with reflective “cat’s eyes,” making them easier for motorists to identify, particularly at night.
“Ang akon nasawayan, ang aton pedestrian lanes indi na mapintahan maayo kag indi visible. Nadumdoman ko sang una sang gamay pa ako, ang mga pedestrian may ara cat’s eye, nagasiga para ma-distinguish,” explained Geduspan.
Geduspan specifically cited a faded pedestrian lane along Diversion Road in Mandurriao district, particularly in front of Westwood Subdivision, where a student had died after being hit by an ambulance.
He said repainting worn-out pedestrian crossings could help reduce traffic accidents.
“I am appealing to the DPWH, buligan niyo kami in our safety measures kay may naipit na gani dira daylight sa atubang sang Westwood,” said Geduspan.
Geduspan also appealed to motorists to exercise discipline whenever they take to the road and strictly follow traffic rules and regulations.
These include stopping at pedestrian lanes and red traffic lights, wearing helmets and seatbelts, refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol, avoiding the use of unregistered motor vehicles, and refraining from reckless driving./PN
