When we post photos or video clips on our Facebook page—especially of the misdemeanors of some motorists—our followers have conflicting opinions. Most chastise the former, while others make excuses and defend the erring driver.

However, one issue that brought everyone together was the viral video of two riders who figured in an accident along Marilaque Highway in Tanay, Rizal, last January 8, 2025. In the clip, the two were seen performing the “Superman” stunt while riding, but were unable to get to the proper riding position before hitting a curve.

One of the riders perished on the spot. Sadly, this was the one who was able to assume the right riding position and was only dragged by the other who didn’t. The other motorcyclist may have been able to dodge death, but not the repercussions of his actions.

Last February 2, the Land Transportation Office formally revoked the driver’s license of the surviving rider after he was found guilty of being unfit to operate a motor vehicle.

LTO-Calabarzon, which headed the investigation, found that Rico Akmad Buyawan was guilty of reckless driving and was deemed an unfit person to operate a motor vehicle.

The agency is showing renewed vigor to promote road safety. It recently launched the “Stop Road Crash” program, and joined the “Make Marilaque Road Safe Again” motorcade last February 2.

However, the LTO also said that it is reviewing the processes of approving and issuing driver’s licenses to ensure that these are only given to those who deserve to operate motor vehicles.

Over the last few days, the agency has been summoning various traffic law offenders, including another rider who hit an enforcer while trying to escape apprehension in Antipolo City. The agency is also investigating a motorcade joined by many Angkas riders for obstructing traffic flow.

According to the Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police, there were 31,000 road accidents reported in the country last year. This involved 47,206 vehicles, 15,000 of which were motorcycles. This claimed the lives of 2,747 individuals, causing injuries to thousands more.

Many bemoan the HPG’s and the local authorities’ failure to monitor the situation and apprehend offenders along Marilaque and other roads. However, we can do our part by using our camera phones to report erring or reckless motorists.

But driving safely, always following traffic laws, and respecting our fellow motorists and pedestrians are our best contributions to road safety.