WHAT COULD be the reason why drivers do not obey traffic rules?
Is it because they are ignorant of these rules? Or is it because they simply choose to ignore these rules?
As far as I am concerned, it could be a combination of these two reasons. But first, let me take you back to where the process of issuing driver’s licenses should start.
As of now, the present process starts with a written exam that would supposedly test the applicant’s knowledge of the traffic rules. However, we all know that these exams are not entirely secure, such that anyone could pass these if they get a little help from some fixers.
I think that the correct beginning of the process should be driver education, such that the applicants will be taught first about traffic rules, before they could take the tests that will measure how much they have learned about the lessons that were taught to them.
Among these lessons should be staying in their lanes, and not crossing the solid yellow lines that are in the middle of the street.
We should include basic lessons such as what a stop sign is, and what is the importance of reading and understanding the traffic signs.
These lessons are all good, but I think the best way for these errant drivers to learn is to cancel their licenses if necessary.
HAZARD MAPPING FOR LGUS
Many local government units (LGUs) already have geographic information systems (GIS) installed, but it seems that most of them are not maximizing the potential of these software assets.
For example, most of them are using GIS to support their real property tax systems, (RPTS), but other than that, they are not using GIS for anything else.
It does not require a genius to realize that at the very least, GIS could be used for preparing their comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs), a requirement that they must comply with.
Technically, CLUPs are supposed to be part of the LGU’s local development plans (LDPs), but it seems that many of them do not see the direct connection between the two.
Additionally, all LGUs are required to prepare their own disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) plans, which could very well use GIS, but the systems integration almost always does not happen.
To put it simply, GIS could be used not only for tax mapping, but also for hazard mapping. If only the LGUs could learn to use GIS for hazard mapping, then it would be easy for them to produce electronic three-dimensional topographic maps, instead of their ancient analog flat maps.
Since I have a lot of experience with this technology, I can help any LGU that needs it./PN
