Going to the airport is something I enjoy because I love traveling abroad. But one particular trip yesterday (May 4) served as a grim reminder of the danger of motor vehicles.

I was at the baggage counter at NAIA Terminal 1 when I heard a crashing noise—metal against metal—shortly followed by the screams of people. Apparently, someone rammed a black SUV into the walkway at the departure area.

After going through immigration, I was able to check social media. The incident looked even more gruesome than I imagined.

Bodies were on the floor, and people were wailing for the victims—including a father who lost his young daughter. This could have been me, you, or someone you care for.

I highly doubt the driver meant to hurt anyone. But the negligence behind the wheel wreaked so much havoc among innocent bystanders.

Motor vehicles are deadly, it should go without saying. But people forget this too easily.

Due to our abysmal motoring standards, just because someone holds a Philippine driver’s license doesn’t mean he or she is a safe or competent driver.

Do more people need to die from incidents like this before authorities take licensing and road safety seriously?