I remember ever since we started the TV show Motoring Today way back in June 1987, almost 22 years ago, we have always tried to be on top of all the controversies and issues regarding transportation and traffic management, reporting on new traffic rules and transport policies and in many occasions specifically announcing the proposed increase of penalties or fines for traffic violations.
I also remember that every time there were announcements of such increase in traffic violation fines, there were always the threat of transport strikes by PUV drivers if and when the policy would be implemented.
For a more balance reporting we have always conducted interviews from those both from the government that initiates such moves and those from the transport sector that would undoubtedly be “affected” by the proposed policy.
The government’s stand in initiating an increase in traffic violation fees had always been to encourage and even compel motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations while those “affected” in the transport sector had always been, “Pag nagtaas po ng multa sa mga violations ay siguradong wala na pong matitira sa aming kinikita” (If the traffic violation fines would be raised, nothing would be left from our income).
This mindset of the transport sector reflects the kind of discipline that pervades among our public utility drivers. It is like saying that violating traffic rules and regulations is a way of life. It is like saying that being caught violating these laws is a given in their daily driving routine. And this is the kind of mindset that we need to change. This is the kind of “non-discipline” that we would like to eradicate in our streets. A state of mind that is most prevalent among the public utility drivers. And please don’t argue against this statement because all you need is less than an hour’s observation in different areas of the metro of the “driving demeanor” of most PUV drivers and you would bow and say “amen”. In addition records show that most of the tragic fatal road accidents that happened in the past several months involved PUV drivers, the main cause of which is the absence of discipline.
Now there is this move by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to raise the traffic violation fines of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). A particular case is the penalty for reckless driving, which was previously a measly P150, which would be raised to One Thousand Pesos.
In a news item that appeared here in The STAR (DOTC won’t back down on higher traffic fines, Saturday, March 14, 2009), Ms. Anneli Lontoc, DOTC Undersecretary for Land Transport was quoted as saying, “We need to raise the rates. Setting the fines very low has only emboldened motorists to violate traffic rules and regulations. They are not afraid to be cited for traffic violations because they know they only have to pay P150.”
The same news report said that some quarters from the transport drivers group are contemplating on a nationwide protest action should the DOTC order would not be revoked. And this is “de ja vu” for me. This is the same pattern of events since more than two decades ago-the government moved for an increase in traffic violation fines and the transport sector threatened a nationwide protest.
I also remember a few years back the DOTC was about to implement a move to drastically reduce the number of buses (many of them half-filled most of the day) in EDSA – a move to lessen traffic gridlocks, wasteful consumption of fuel and to clear the ranks of colorums – but the transport sector protested and the DOTC blinked and it was not immediately implemented at that time.
Will the DOTC blink again this time? Another winner from Lexus?
After a multi-vehicle launch during the formal opening of their state-of-the-art dealership – showroom and service facilities at the beginning of the year – Lexus Manila now unveils the RX350, the next-generation SUV model to the line-up of initial models.
Bannered as the world’s best-selling Lexus model, the RX350 is touted to be the crossover SUV that prides itself to being able to blend the comfort of a luxury sedan with the pleasurable excitement of an SUV.
So, what’s the Lexus RX350 all about? Here are just some of its unique attributes.
It has a 3.5-litre V6 dual VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) engine that’s coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission Super ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission).
It has off-road drivability by way of an electronically-controlled Active Torque Control AWD (All Wheel Drive) system that allows the apt distribution of torque in various driving terrains.
Its exterior features include a moonroof with jam protection system, power door mirrors and foot area illumination and Light Emitting Diode (LED) high-mount stop lamp.
It has a 5-seater cabin that features position memory switches for driver and front passenger seats, an auxiliary outlet for audio devices, a premium 9-speaker sound system and independent temperature controls.
It also has multi-information display using white organic LED, a back monitor camera integrated into the rear view mirror and an ECO driving indicator that shows whether the accelerator operation is fuel-efficient or not.
There are also Multi-Information Switches on the steering wheel that help customized numerous vehicle settings such as options for Speed Sensitive Auto Lock, Shift-Link Auto Lock/unlock, etc.
For safety it has Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist System, Adaptive Front Lighting System as active safety features. Passive safety features include Dual Stage SRS driver and front passenger airbags as well as SRS knee, side and curtain shield airbags. In the event of rear-end collisions, Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) Concept Seats provide added support to the front occupants’ neck and upper back.
Again, these are just a few of the bar-setting features of this new SUV in the market. And Danny “Sir John” Isla, the veteran marketing man who’s the president of Lexus Manila has still a mouthful to say, if you let him.
So, what do you think? Is the RX350 another winner from Lexus Manila?
Get a test drive and find out for yourself. Discovering what it has to offer is just half of the fun.
BFSB Nationwide Auto Madness — a huge success
Congratulations to BPI Family Savings Bank for the successful staging of the first ever BFSB Nationwide Auto Madness held last week from March 12 to 15 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.
It was a 4-day extravaganza where 16 car brands were gathered under one roof and sold at “Auto Madness” rates through BFSB’s Drive Your Dream Auto Loan.
Aside from the Glorietta, the nationwide auto exhibit was held simultaneously in 9 other different locations all over the country in Cebu, Dagupan, Pampanga, Lipa, Bacolod, Iloilo, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.
Since it was first launched in Cebu back in 1998, the BFSB Auto Madness has been making automobile purchases not only affordable but also hassle-free to buyers all over the country.
Kudos to Dave Sarmiento, senior vp of BPI Family Savings Bank and vp Herbert Tuason for the well-attended event.
You guys can actually do a repeat of this event come the last quarter of the year when we stage the Auto Focus Motor Show & Auto Expo. I’m sure a lot of these “end-of-the-year” auto buyers would want to enjoy these special “Auto Madness” financing rates.
Happy Motoring!!!
For comments: (E-Mail) motoringtoday-star@stv.com.ph.