Requiem

Welcome to this week’s Backseat Driver column, where for once I refuse to throw the obtrusive middle finger to dim-witted motorists and road abusers and instead sit, focus and proceed with a more somber tone. This time around, as I do every so often, I make my argument for that which should matter most in our line of work – road safety.

To start it all off, allow me to share a story that might tug at your hearts and get you in the proper mindset. As there are very few Magsajos running around in this piece of real estate we call Earth, allow me to share the story of the one whose life and light we miss most. Edgar "Gaddi" Magsajo was born the wittiest, warmest and most loved Magsajo ever. Always the life of the party, he was practically adored by all who got to know him. Uncle Gaddi, who was my father’s brother, was more than just an uncle, he was my godfather – and he literally treated me as if I was his own son. When my father was busy burning the midnight oil in order to provide for what was then his family of only three, it was my Uncle Gaddi who would take the cudgels and take me along with my mom to the pediatrician. When the sickly little Magsajo who would grow up to become a grumpy old fart of an editor needed some loving care, Uncle Gaddi was always more than willing to provide it. And he was that way with practically all of us whom he considered his loved ones. Unfortunately, we had to lose him too soon.

On December 23, 1974, while crossing a not-so-busy Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong, Uncle Gaddi was sideswiped by not one, but two reckless road users. The first vehicle, bound for the Pasig area, hit him so hard that his body was thrown into the path of the oncoming vehicle from the other side of the road. The second vehicle then completely ran over the poor man. My godfather’s broken body was left lying in the street, with a friend who was crossing the street with him left aghast by what had transpired before his very eyes. After suffering a broken spine, shattered ribs and a cracked skull from the violence of the impacts, Uncle Gaddi died on the spot.

Obviously, both vehicles were overspeeding, presumably trying to beat what was then a nationwide curfew imposed as a result of martial law. Obviously too, neither driver was concerned about road safety as not one so much as slowed down to see what they could have done to help the man they knew they had hit. To this day we cannot fathom the method and madness of my godfather’s passing. But, as with all that transpires in life, there is a reason my Uncle Gaddi had to leave us the way he did. As I shed tears even as I type these words now, as I picture that putrid Christmas noche buena of 74 in my mind, I realize now what it all was for.

I realize now that the underlying message of the road violence that claimed my godfather’s life some 32 years ago was always meant to be shared. And I realize now that I was always meant to deliver that message to a bigger audience. Our family’s anguished cry for justice may have never been answered. Those guilty for the crime may have never been put behind bars. But my godfather’s story is now out in the open. The story of his death, like that of his life, now serves as a means to a better end. Because by sharing his story in these pages, I hope to open the eyes of our readers to the urgency of prioritizing road safety.

There are many who already share this perspective, of course. There are my brothers and sisters in the Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists (SPMJ), who have worked tirelessly to bring road safety education to the next generation of road users. There is the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), which has prioritized road safety in its efforts time and again. There are the industry partners who contribute to the cause like Toyota Motor Philippines, Honda Cars Philippines, Isuzu Philippines, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, Mazda Philippines, Ford Philippines, Cats Motors (Daimler-Chrysler), BMW Philippines, Nissan Motors, Motor Image Pilipinas (Subaru), Hyundai Asia Resources, Viking Cars (Volvo), Petron Corporation, Standard Insurance, Asahi Glass, Coca-Cola Philippines, Pioneer Insurance and Concept One – all of which have contributed in one way or another to our cause. But, truthfully, all our efforts are not nearly enough. We still feel that each and every road user should share in the sense of urgency.

Which brings us to our impassioned plea. The call to action for road safety prioritization is best left to us media practitioners. The duty of embracing the cause is left to the rest of the road users out there. And, realistically, it isn’t a difficult cause to embrace at all. What it requires is simple adherence to discipline and road courtesy – which is something we all know deep inside to be for the betterment of our own society.

We have rules and regulations that are meant to instill a sense of order in our roads. How difficult is it to actually follow them, anyway? How difficult is it for pedestrians to use a pedestrian overpass or to cross the streets where there are proper pedestrian crossings? How difficult is it for public utility vehicle drivers to stay within the lanes and streets set aside specifically for their use? How difficult is it for all motorists to stay within proper speed limits? How difficult is it to wear a seatbelt? How difficult is it for one to keep his vehicle in proper running condition so as not to endanger himself and those around him? How difficult is it, really, to resolve to become responsible road users?

The decision, dear reader, to join us in our sworn advocacy is entirely in your hands. Leave the fundraising to us. Leave the education implementation to us. Leave the congressional lobbying to us. We in media and other peripheral industries are armed with the proper tools and connections to enact these necessary changes to further the cause of road safety. You are simply enjoined to take extra care in being more conscious about how you use the roads that we all share. I sincerely urge you to do so. Don’t do it for those of us who are already entrenched in the good fight. Do it for yourself and for those you love. And do it, please, simply because it’s right. Finally, for what it’s worth, as you make that decision, spare me a prayer for the man whose untimely death inspired me to write this piece. After all, I am still hoping that Edgar "Gaddi" Magsajo’s requiem, though 32 years late, is one that will lure into the fold many to a cause that is bigger and greater than us all.

Here are some of your Backseat Driver reactions from last week…

I believe that Fernando Alonso will once again capture the F1 crown. – 09207957398

The Pandacan-Sta. Mesa link bridge is full of kotong cops who use the checkpoint as their source of income. I’ve been one of their unlucky victims. – 09178009011

To Lester Dizon: I hope you can name the jerk running for Councilor who blocked your garage door so we can make sure we don’t vote for him. What a moron! – 09178381366

What I do to make jeepney drivers turn their headlights on is blind them with my car’s high beam. It works! Try it! – 09178111712

Pangarap ko mawala ang mga jeepney at pedicab sa mga kalsada natin. – 09176051987

Speak out, be heard and keep those text messages coming in. To say your piece and become a "Backseat Driver", text PHILSTAR <space>FB<space>MOTORING<space>YOUR MESSAGE and send to 2840 if you’re a Globe or Touch Mobile subscriber or 334 if you’re a Smart or Talk ’n Text subscriber or 2840 if you’re a Sun Cellular subscriber. Please keep your messages down to a manageable 160 characters. You may send a series of comments using the same parameters.)