SBMA launches ‘Share the Road’ project to boost road safety
Posted 6 years ago
With this free port acknowledged nationwide as among the best in road safety and traffic discipline, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Thursday reinforced its safety policy by launching the “Share the Road” project, which involves the participation of various community sectors.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the project aims to boost road safety awareness in the whole of Subic Bay Freeport, as the agency vies to make Subic the center of excellence in public road safety.
“All over the country, people are looking at the Subic Bay Freeport as the place where traffic discipline and traffic rules are always observed. And we wanted that image to stay,” Eisma said.
“Now, we are involving all sectors — the whole Subic community — in this ‘Share the Road’ project to make all roads inside the Freeport the safest for travellers, pedestrians, drivers, and even for road maintenance workers,” she added.
In line with the project, the SBMA chief conducted a dialogue on Thursday with members and officials of local transportation groups, as well as motorcycle associations in the Subic Freeport and Olongapo City, and discussed the need to elevate road safety in the Subic area.
Eisma said the SBMA’s efforts to promote Subic as the next cruise ship playground in Asia through the agency’s Tourism Star program make it all the more necessary to boost road safety and traffic discipline in the Freeport.
She also reminded drivers, particularly those who operate taxis, buses and other means of public transportation, to be tourist-friendly so that visitors would better enjoy Subic, come back for more memorable experiences, and hence spend more tourist money while visiting local facilities and availing of local services.
“It would be a big blemish on the good image of Subic that we have been cultivating through the years if tourists complained of undisciplined or abusive drivers. I tell you, these things matter a lot in keeping Subic the number one tourist attraction in Central Luzon and now, the next cruise ship haven in this part of Asia,” Eisma said.
“So it is very important that we do not overcharge our fare, that we do not ignore traffic signs, and that we make full-stop at intersections, and give priority to crossing pedestrians,” she added.
Eisma also informed representatives of the transport sector that the SBMA would now require a thorough inspection of all vehicles requesting for SBMA decals, with particular focus on safe driving essentials like brake and signal lights, horns and seat belts.
She said that the Subic agency will also strictly enforce the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (RA 10913) and the Anti-Smoke Belching Law to further improve driving conditions in the Freeport.
“I know that you all wanted to have a decent way to earn a living. So, as stakeholders of the Subic Freeport, let us show the world that we are disciplined drivers and that we care about the reputation and the safety conditions of our community. Let’s share the road courteously to fellow motorists, pedestrians, and road maintenance workers to keep our place safe for everyone,” Eisma concluded.
Meanwhile, the officials and driver-leaders of various transport groups expressed their full support to the SBMA call and pledged to encourage their members to do their share in keeping Subic as a model for traffic discipline and road safety in the country. (MPD-SBMA)
Source: subicnewslink.blogspot.com
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