Keep your cool in Manila's traffic

On Target
by Ramon Tulfo
Posted: 7:18 AM (Manila Time) | Jan. 16, 2003
Inquirer News Service


IF you can avoid it, don't get into an argument over a traffic incident in the streets of Metro Manila.

Keep calm and don't raise your voice on the other guy involved in the traffic incident, especially if you sense that the guy is armed.

Tempers flare and violence may erupt during a traffic incident.


* * *


Jose Luis R. Llamas, a promising Ateneo law graduate, was one of countless victims of traffic altercations. A La Salle graduate was shot dead in Greenhills a couple of years ago over a traffic altercation.

If your differences with the other fellow over traffic are minor, let him go. Make your insurance company pay for the damage wrought by the other fellow.

Forget your ego and don't argue.


* * *


Believe me, it's easier said than done. I myself am hotheaded. I wouldn't want to lose an argument over traffic especially if I knew that the other fellow was at fault.

But I'm now trying my best to keep cool in Metro Manila's irritating traffic jam.

I've had a bitter experience over a traffic situation and have learned from it.


* * *


While I was crossing an intersection in Makati some years ago, a speeding taxicab screeched to a halt and missed my car by a few inches.

I had the right of way because the traffic enforcer gave me the signal to cross while he motioned the cars traversing the other side of the intersection to stop.

I was so shaken by the incident that I got down from my car and confronted the driver.


* * *


One word led to another. I sensed that the cabbie, who was reeking of liquor, was about to make a move to strike me. Instinctively, I struck him first.

I paid dearly for that mistake. I had to settle with the driver out of court because I would surely be convicted. I paid him a big sum so he would no longer pursue the slight physical injuries case against me.

In a traffic altercation that results in violence, you kill or hurt the other fellow, or the other fellow hurts or kills you. Either way, you lose.

So, cool ka lang!
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