Ambulances on SOuth Super Highway

[andyinmanila]

As an English guy who has lived here for 3 years I have noticed a few things (none good) about Filipino roads and Driving.

Here is my list maybe some of you guys might like to respond

1. Everyday on the South super highway at about 7 am at least 2 ambulances try and go to Manila, I have been told by staff at work that there are probably no patients but some mayor or minor politician abusing power and using an ambulance, TRUE/FALSE,
2. Why do some idiot drivers try and drive 1 meter behind the ambulance? how stupid is that, and don't tell me they are relatives.
3. Flashing lights, every other country in the world flashing lights is a warning NOT get out of the way im coming through, in fact in Europe a flash on the headlights is a courtesy to say " you can go first"
4. why do people insist on putting police horns and red and blues on their cars, they just look and sound stupid, I do not move for them.
5. Why dont Filipinos like giving way? changing lanes is near impossible, normal driving is Mirror, Signal, Maneuver (NOTE SIGNAL). Filipino drivers seem to be stuck with a me first attitude.
6. Drivers in the centre lane travelling at 20-30 kph with hazard lights flashing...GET OFF THE ROAD...
7. If you have a flat tire, move to the side Dont change the wheel taking up 2 lanes and inconveinenting maybe 30 thousand people.
8. Jeeps are driven by idiots with no consideration for others, and put some lights on or get off the road
9. Taxis are driven by even bigger idiots
10. MMDA or other traffic enforcers like stopping us foreigners, They get no money from me as I went out of my way to know what they can and cannot legally ask when you are stopped. I was stopped the other day for swerving and I was actually changing lanes using my signal indicators
11. I was also stopped for jumping an orange light, I asked him why were the 2 cars behind me not stopped he had no answer, I asked him what orange means...he said stop, it actually means prepare to stop..
12. What the Philippines needs is Driver testing, ie take a test before you can drive on the road
13. It also needs proper policing on the roads
14. It needs to be rid of some of the dilapidated vehicles on the roads
15. I know Jeeps are the main means of transport but transport technology has moved on in the last 50 years so should jeeps, ie no smoke belching
16. I forgot buses are driven by bigger idiots than taxis and jeeps, they think they are in sports cars. THats it RANT over

[shadow]

all your observations are right on the dot...to sum it all up, all I can say is...

WELCOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF PHILIPPINES! WHERE TRAFFIC RULES ARE JUST A SUGGESTION.

[xtremerider]

As an English guy who has lived here for 3 years I have noticed a few things (none good) about Filipino roads and Driving.

Here is my list maybe some of you guys might like to respond

1. Everyday on the South super highway at about 7 am at least 2 ambulances try and go to Manila, I have been told by staff at work that there are probably no patients but some mayor or minor politician abusing power and using an ambulance, TRUE/FALSE,
2. Why do some idiot drivers try and drive 1 meter behind the ambulance? how stupid is that, and don't tell me they are relatives.
3. Flashing lights, every other country in the world flashing lights is a warning NOT get out of the way im coming through, in fact in Europe a flash on the headlights is a courtesy to say " you can go first"
4. why do people insist on putting police horns and red and blues on their cars, they just look and sound stupid, I do not move for them.
5. Why dont Filipinos like giving way? changing lanes is near impossible, normal driving is Mirror, Signal, Maneuver (NOTE SIGNAL). Filipino drivers seem to be stuck with a me first attitude.
6. Drivers in the centre lane travelling at 20-30 kph with hazard lights flashing...GET OFF THE ROAD...
7. If you have a flat tire, move to the side Dont change the wheel taking up 2 lanes and inconveinenting maybe 30 thousand people.
8. Jeeps are driven by idiots with no consideration for others, and put some lights on or get off the road
9. Taxis are driven by even bigger idiots
10. MMDA or other traffic enforcers like stopping us foreigners, They get no money from me as I went out of my way to know what they can and cannot legally ask when you are stopped. I was stopped the other day for swerving and I was actually changing lanes using my signal indicators
11. I was also stopped for jumping an orange light, I asked him why were the 2 cars behind me not stopped he had no answer, I asked him what orange means...he said stop, it actually means prepare to stop..
12. What the Philippines needs is Driver testing, ie take a test before you can drive on the road
13. It also needs proper policing on the roads
14. It needs to be rid of some of the dilapidated vehicles on the roads
15. I know Jeeps are the main means of transport but transport technology has moved on in the last 50 years so should jeeps, ie no smoke belching
16. I forgot buses are driven by bigger idiots than taxis and jeeps, they think they are in sports cars. THats it RANT over

Good day to you Mate...

I'm a filipino and born as filipino but I experience to drive here and to the other countries as well. All your points are well specifically said. When I got my UAE driver's license and start to drive in UAE. I notice all this points. It's way big difference driving here and to other countries. Most driver's here specially those driving Public utility vehicle didn't go to driving school to get a license even the private one's. You can only count thouse who goes to school to get their license.

Even a blind person can pass the test and get a professional driver's license. Everything here is different and we must live with it because this is the system in this country...

Drive safe...

[ghosthunter]

[*]Everyday on the South super highway at about 7 am at least 2 ambulances try and go to Manila, I have been told by staff at work that there are probably no patients but some mayor or minor politician abusing power and using an ambulance, TRUE/FALSE,

True.

[*]Why do some idiot drivers try and drive 1 meter behind the ambulance? how stupid is that, and don't tell me they are relatives.

It's the fastest way to beat traffic. I have done it as well a number of times but it was behind police escorted government official's vehicles. Difference of arriving in 15 minutes or an hour.

[*]Flashing lights, every other country in the world flashing lights is a warning NOT get out of the way im coming through, in fact in Europe a flash on the headlights is a courtesy to say " you can go first"

Flashing the hazard lights generates a forcefield around the car and gives it super powers of authority/emergency.

[*]why do people insist on putting police horns and red and blues on their cars, they just look and sound stupid, I do not move for them.

This is the next level up of turning on your hazard lights. These idiots feel that sounding off their police sirens and lights would get traffic moving faster. And it actually does in some situations that is why people still do it.

[*]I was also stopped for jumping an orange light, I asked him why were the 2 cars behind me not stopped he had no answer, I asked him what orange means...he said stop, it actually means prepare to stop..

Better than getting ticketed for "running a yellow light" hehehe

[*]What the Philippines needs is Driver testing, ie take a test before you can drive on the road

There actually is a test before you can get your license but it's a sham. Even a legally blind guy can pass the test.

[*]It needs to be rid of some of the dilapidated vehicles on the roads

That would probably include 75% of all government vehicles if that was done. hehehe

[*]I know Jeeps are the main means of transport but transport technology has moved on in the last 50 years so should jeeps, ie no smoke belching

I wouldn't be surprised if you can find 50 year old jeepneys still on the road. hehehe

[Karag2]

all your observations are true... plus some more...
the main problem with our traffic situation is the abuse...
traffic officers let one pass so the other guy thinks 'if they can do it, why wont I'
sad part of this is that when in other countries, Filipino drivers tend to drive properly...

There actually is a test before you can get your license but it's a sham. Even a legally blind guy can pass the test.

I can attest to this, my father recently was declared leagally blind, and when he came with me to renew my license he tried to renew his... his dialogue was 'pang ID lang' (for ID purposes only)... lo and behold, he passed the medical exam and renewed his license...

btw, my father's not driving anymore so no worries here...

[andyinmanila]

Why does flashing your lights give you the right of way to cross a flow of traffic?


Also Korea and Japan were 3rd world countries and look at them now,

When i talk about dilapidated I mean some of those stupid jeeps from the provinces, or vehicles that barely move, or with no wheel alignment belching fumes etc..

Basically pieces of junk that I personally would never travel in,

They are dangerous and being a 3rd world country is no excuse.

Same as babies riding on Motorbikes or on the trike fuel tanks? Have some respect for your kids, if the bike goes over how does a child protect its self? adults know how to protect their head etc a child has no chance

[praetor91313]

I admit I was scrutinizing your post, looking for something I can disagree with, and aside from post number 2, I would have to agree with them.

I've posted a thread regarding the purpose of flashing one's headlights and how it's misused here in our country; but the posters couldn't agree on its purpose either.

My father used to say, "Iho, hindi mo mapipilit ang iba na magbago para sa yo. Ikaw ang kailangang mag-adjust para sa kanila."

Translated: You can't force other people to change for you. You have to adjust to them.

As they say, When in Rome... or in this case, Only in the Philippines!

[Horsepower]

Question Andy, what makes you stay here? What's stopping you from leaving? Do you like it here or you're just enduring everything?

[BratPAQ]

Why does flashing your lights give you the right of way to cross a flow of traffic?

thats the norm HERE in the philipines, learn to adopt.

[andyinmanila]

I have worked in Makati for 3 years, I have been married to the same filipina for 26 years Paranaque is my home.

they are just my observations and things that annoy me....I

[boybi]

As an English guy who has lived here for 3 years I have noticed a few things (none good) about Filipino roads and Driving.

Here is my list maybe some of you guys might like to respond

1. Everyday on the South super highway at about 7 am at least 2 ambulances try and go to Manila, I have been told by staff at work that there are probably no patients but some mayor or minor politician abusing power and using an ambulance, TRUE/FALSE,
2. Why do some idiot drivers try and drive 1 meter behind the ambulance? how stupid is that, and don't tell me they are relatives.
3. Flashing lights, every other country in the world flashing lights is a warning NOT get out of the way im coming through, in fact in Europe a flash on the headlights is a courtesy to say " you can go first"
4. why do people insist on putting police horns and red and blues on their cars, they just look and sound stupid, I do not move for them.
5. Why dont Filipinos like giving way? changing lanes is near impossible, normal driving is Mirror, Signal, Maneuver (NOTE SIGNAL). Filipino drivers seem to be stuck with a me first attitude.
6. Drivers in the centre lane travelling at 20-30 kph with hazard lights flashing...GET OFF THE ROAD...
7. If you have a flat tire, move to the side Dont change the wheel taking up 2 lanes and inconveinenting maybe 30 thousand people.
8. Jeeps are driven by idiots with no consideration for others, and put some lights on or get off the road
9. Taxis are driven by even bigger idiots
10. MMDA or other traffic enforcers like stopping us foreigners, They get no money from me as I went out of my way to know what they can and cannot legally ask when you are stopped. I was stopped the other day for swerving and I was actually changing lanes using my signal indicators
11. I was also stopped for jumping an orange light, I asked him why were the 2 cars behind me not stopped he had no answer, I asked him what orange means...he said stop, it actually means prepare to stop..
12. What the Philippines needs is Driver testing, ie take a test before you can drive on the road
13. It also needs proper policing on the roads
14. It needs to be rid of some of the dilapidated vehicles on the roads
15. I know Jeeps are the main means of transport but transport technology has moved on in the last 50 years so should jeeps, ie no smoke belching
16. I forgot buses are driven by bigger idiots than taxis and jeeps, they think they are in sports cars. THats it RANT over

I didn't know those were bad or illegal, I thought they were normal and according to the law.

Being born here must have made me immune to these things :bwahaha:

[xtremerider]

I didn't know those were bad or illegal, I thought they were normal and according to the law.

Being born here must have made me immune to these things :bwahaha:

This are the things probably not encounter outside the Philippines...as everybody says " ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES" by all means it's true

[jansky]

oh.. i remember ung patalastas dati sa TV na tagline is 'oh walang ganyan sa states, dito lang sa pilipinas'

[p_borj]

Flashing lights, every other country in the world flashing lights is a warning NOT get out of the way im coming through, in fact in Europe a flash on the headlights is a courtesy to say " you can go first"

Good day there sir! Welcome to the Philippine roads. I won't deny this, but if I flash my lights, I signal them that I would be the one to go. This is just the way things were when I grew up.

Why dont Filipinos like giving way? changing lanes is near impossible, normal driving is Mirror, Signal, Maneuver (NOTE SIGNAL). Filipino drivers seem to be stuck with a me first attitude.

Well, things are messed up here but at least I'm not one of them. I always give way when I'm in the mood. Otherwise, I'm also one of those guys.

It needs to be rid of some of the dilapidated vehicles on the roads

I agree but as you can see, this is a third world country, you can't do anything about this.

I forgot buses are driven by bigger idiots than taxis and jeeps, they think they are in sports cars. THats it RANT over

My head always burst into flames when they speed right behind me and stop at a point blank range. As you can see, I have a small car. I would be crashed to pieces with those idiots on the road. I totally agree with you here mate.

[Radical!]

As an English guy who has lived here for 3 years I have noticed a few things (none good) about Filipino roads and Driving.

Here is my list maybe some of you guys might like to respond

1. Everyday on the South super highway at about 7 am at least 2 ambulances try and go to Manila, I have been told by staff at work that there are probably no patients but some mayor or minor politician abusing power and using an ambulance, TRUE/FALSE,
2. Why do some idiot drivers try and drive 1 meter behind the ambulance? how stupid is that, and don't tell me they are relatives.
3. Flashing lights, every other country in the world flashing lights is a warning NOT get out of the way im coming through, in fact in Europe a flash on the headlights is a courtesy to say " you can go first"
4. why do people insist on putting police horns and red and blues on their cars, they just look and sound stupid, I do not move for them.
5. Why dont Filipinos like giving way? changing lanes is near impossible, normal driving is Mirror, Signal, Maneuver (NOTE SIGNAL). Filipino drivers seem to be stuck with a me first attitude.
6. Drivers in the centre lane travelling at 20-30 kph with hazard lights flashing...GET OFF THE ROAD...
7. If you have a flat tire, move to the side Dont change the wheel taking up 2 lanes and inconveinenting maybe 30 thousand people.
8. Jeeps are driven by idiots with no consideration for others, and put some lights on or get off the road
9. Taxis are driven by even bigger idiots
10. MMDA or other traffic enforcers like stopping us foreigners, They get no money from me as I went out of my way to know what they can and cannot legally ask when you are stopped. I was stopped the other day for swerving and I was actually changing lanes using my signal indicators
11. I was also stopped for jumping an orange light, I asked him why were the 2 cars behind me not stopped he had no answer, I asked him what orange means...he said stop, it actually means prepare to stop..
12. What the Philippines needs is Driver testing, ie take a test before you can drive on the road
13. It also needs proper policing on the roads
14. It needs to be rid of some of the dilapidated vehicles on the roads
15. I know Jeeps are the main means of transport but transport technology has moved on in the last 50 years so should jeeps, ie no smoke belching
16. I forgot buses are driven by bigger idiots than taxis and jeeps, they think they are in sports cars. THats it RANT over

As I would always say, Manila is organized chaos! It just gets better and better...

Welcome to the Philippines andyinmanila!

[jansky]

welcome andyinManila
where traffic law is just a myth

[EL Chicane]

1. YES. Poverty has nothing to do with road courtesy, etiquette, or observing traffic rules. I know a bank executive who doesn't know road etiquette or those traffic signs. You know why? Because she just PAID OFF her driver's license exam to pass. All she knows is drive the vehicle. She doesn't even know what the "N" in her gearbox stands for.

2. Why do people tailgate an ambulance? The answer is obvious: Because an ambulance scatters the traffic ahead of it. If you tailgate an ambulance, you won't get caught in the traffic jam. Is it stupid? Yes, it is. But people here are stone-faced. You don't know these people, anyway. So whether they look stupid or not, they are not affected. There is no law against tailgating an ambulance. So if you are not breaking the law, then presumably it is ok. Again, "etiquette" is a culture. Even in the United States, there are a lot of Americans who don't have etiquettes. Just so happens that here in the Philippines, we specialize in Lack of Road Etiquette. I don't tailgate an ambulance myself.

3. Why do private car owners love using sirens and police lights? Same as above about tailgating an ambulance: To scatter the traffic ahead of them. Filipinos are always "fearful" of person's in authority. They look at them as some kind of Mafia Godfather or Colombian Drug Lords. So if you are a lowly citizen, and you hear a siren or flashing lights at your back: Get out of the way! Of course, the people you mentioned are nothing but stupid idiots who are simply BLUFFING their way in the streets using a siren to make it look like they are a Colombian Drug Lord or Police General. Are they idiots? Yes. Is it illegal? Yes. So get the plate number and report them to Police Hotline 117.

4. Why do the police love to milk the foreigners? Because foreigners are vulnerable and scared. Of course, I'm talking about fresh foreigners. Not the foreigners who are already deeply-rooted with the locals like you. When I was in Shanghai China, a taxi driver tried to charge me 3 times the normal fare I pay from the Airport to my Hotel -- all because I don't look like a chinese. If you went to New York, you are probably aware that there are many locals there who try to rip you off when they learn that you are a tourist! It's a given fact: If you are a foreigner in a foreign land, you will be targetted in some way. There is no Paradise Country in this planet.

In summary:

Everything i just described, is of course, deplorable and sad. We are just discussing why people do these things. Cultivating a "culture" of respect and etiquette, takes generations. The first step to control the "barbarians" in our society, is to put EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT and STOP CORRUPTION.

Even in lab experiments, mice who were electrocuted for doing something nasty, will usually not do that nasty act again. So punish people, and they will behave.

[andyinmanila]

Even in lab experiments, mice who were electrocuted for doing something nasty, will usually not do that nasty act again. So punish people, and they will behave.

Can we electrocute Jeep, Taxi, bus and trike drivers?... that will be fun I will push the button.. I will even pay the Meralco bill

[MaxAJ]

As an English guy who has lived here for 3 years I have noticed a few things (none good) about Filipino roads and Driving.

Here is my list maybe some of you guys might like to respond

1. Everyday on the South super highway at about 7 am at least 2 ambulances try and go to Manila, I have been told by staff at work that there are probably no patients but some mayor or minor politician abusing power and using an ambulance, TRUE/FALSE,
2. Why do some idiot drivers try and drive 1 meter behind the ambulance? how stupid is that, and don't tell me they are relatives.
3. Flashing lights, every other country in the world flashing lights is a warning NOT get out of the way im coming through, in fact in Europe a flash on the headlights is a courtesy to say " you can go first"
4. why do people insist on putting police horns and red and blues on their cars, they just look and sound stupid, I do not move for them.
5. Why dont Filipinos like giving way? changing lanes is near impossible, normal driving is Mirror, Signal, Maneuver (NOTE SIGNAL). Filipino drivers seem to be stuck with a me first attitude.
6. Drivers in the centre lane travelling at 20-30 kph with hazard lights flashing...GET OFF THE ROAD...
7. If you have a flat tire, move to the side Dont change the wheel taking up 2 lanes and inconveinenting maybe 30 thousand people.
8. Jeeps are driven by idiots with no consideration for others, and put some lights on or get off the road
9. Taxis are driven by even bigger idiots
10. MMDA or other traffic enforcers like stopping us foreigners, They get no money from me as I went out of my way to know what they can and cannot legally ask when you are stopped. I was stopped the other day for swerving and I was actually changing lanes using my signal indicators
11. I was also stopped for jumping an orange light, I asked him why were the 2 cars behind me not stopped he had no answer, I asked him what orange means...he said stop, it actually means prepare to stop..
12. What the Philippines needs is Driver testing, ie take a test before you can drive on the road
13. It also needs proper policing on the roads
14. It needs to be rid of some of the dilapidated vehicles on the roads
15. I know Jeeps are the main means of transport but transport technology has moved on in the last 50 years so should jeeps, ie no smoke belching
16. I forgot buses are driven by bigger idiots than taxis and jeeps, they think they are in sports cars. THats it RANT over

1. call me racist but even though there's no one inside drivers here in metro manila are just plain inconsiderate and ignorant like that.
Sadly all the good ones are out of country or taken by private companies.

3. same answer as above. Ignorant.

5. those people who do not give way are easily tempted not to, or just plain selfish scum. It's really tempting lols

8. I second the motion to that.That's due to lenience of the puv companies and the lack of control of their drivers.

9. I agree again, they should be regulated.

11. lols good move.

12. if you go to LTO you know why drivers in this country are generally ignorant with the rules of the road. Its a freaking nesting grounds of corrupt bottom feeders.

What's funny is there are a lot of fixers/red tape people loitering around, guess where? In front of the sign where it says that fixers/red tape will be punishable by law. Even the LTO employees are part of the scheme, and yet no one is man enough to sue them.

15. I agree with this. There are those aircon jeeps initially used for tourist. They should use that instead.

16. lols, those guys are stressfull SOBs lols

Good day to you Mate...

I'm a filipino and born as filipino but I experience to drive here and to the other countries as well. All your points are well specifically said. When I got my UAE driver's license and start to drive in UAE. I notice all this points. It's way big difference driving here and to other countries. Most driver's here specially those driving Public utility vehicle didn't go to driving school to get a license even the private one's. You can only count thouse who goes to school to get their license.

Even a blind person can pass the test and get a professional driver's license. Everything here is different and we must live with it because this is the system in this country...

Drive safe...

I disagree. We have to live with it cos no one wants to take one for the team and fight these scums in a formal way. Play it in their own terms and use the government system to eliminate them from the roads. Reassign them into gardeners, sweepers, I don't care..*frustrated*

Can we electrocute Jeep, Taxi, bus and trike drivers?... that will be fun I will push the button.. I will even pay the Meralco bill

Heck I will pay just for me to do it myself.lols

Andy I like the way you think. got a FB or something?

[gertrude]

I have worked in Makati for 3 years, I have been married to the same filipina for 26 years Paranaque is my home.

they are just my observations and things that annoy me....I

andy, thats the way it is here... you know, some pinoys really dont know what road courtesy means. but my question is, youve been here working in makati for three years, married to a filipina 26 years and living in paranaque. are you still not used to the way things are going on here? i mean, 26 years married right? you must have been get used to it or know how to play things here in this 3rd world country.

my advice is just get along with it! "welcome to the philippines" if you cant beat 'em, join them! like my brit friend staying in ortigas, he put sirens & blinkers in his suburban coz he cant do anything about it....but he loves staying here because he loves his filipina wife as well as her culture and her whole selfbeing. unconditional it is. but since then, he got used to it then gets along with it.