Thoughts on Driving
Yesterday, I drove to church for a later service which started at 4PM. I left the house at 3 and we were right on time. It's not really that far away, but when you're only going about 25 miles an hour it can take a while.
Here are a few thoughts on driving in the Philippines:
This one is a "missionary" question: Is it right to run a red light (i.e. break the law) if the cultural norm of a given area is to do so?
Intercultural Studies types might say, "Sure. If the culture of a given area is to disregard a given traffic law, one is justified in disregarding that law as well." Hmmm...
More philosophical types might say, "No. It is not justifiable to break the law simply because others are doing it as well."
The more practical answer is this: "If you stop in the middle of a busy street, you are being a traffic hazard."
So what to do? My dad says the police do pull over traffic light violators and it is still considered against the law to run a red light. Right now, I make it a practice to stop at red lights AND turn on my emergency lights (if others are disregarding the red light), so that people know I am stopped. This way, I alert other motorists so I am not a hazard on the road AND I obey the law.
Hopefully, I'll remember not to turn my hazards on at every stoplight when I return to the US! :-)
More to come...
posted by mikeldelrosario @ 6:46 PM
8 Comments:
Safety first for your family and others on the road- that's the best guideline wether it is running lights or stopping. I think ultimately maybe God would want you to be more about protection than endangering the lives of others while holding on to the letter of the law. If you can protect and follow the law, bonus. For example, when the flow of traffic, even police traffic, is at 70-75+, and then some letter of the law type of peron is going 60-65 to follow the speed limit, it's time for them to get with the program rather than trying to earn their special legalistic merit badge at the end of the day. :)
Good luck in your driving endeavors.
I hear ya. I remember getting frustrated and passing cars going 65 on the the 5 freeway while everyone else is doing 75-80---especially out over the grapevine.
Yesterday I actually saw a cop pull someone over and write them a ticket! So, yes. The law does get enforced over here---sometimes. I guess the cops are more strict in certain spots than others. It's a learning experience for sure. :-)
More "adventures in Filipino Driving" Later...
Out of curiosity, how old do you have to be to obtain a license in the Philippines?
I got my permit at 16 while I was growing up here and then my license at 17. I don't even kow where that is any more... this reminds me to go look for it. It might be easier to renew it than to re-apply for one as a foreigner based on my US license.
Just thought I'd post with my official blogger comment because I can do that now.
I hope you're well.
Doing OK. Soaking up the culture through modern Filipino music. Working on puting together a devo series on worship for the band at church...giving the 1st one tomorrow nite!
Yeah... I drive 65 (speed limit here) and people pass me all the time. I try to accelerate slowly and brake early. It almost means I drive in the slow lane a lot, but I'm willing to do that.
I'd say "keep the letter of the law unless you are in danger." I wouldn't feel right speeding with Jesus in the car, and He is, right?
That said, I have sped up and driven 70 when I'm passing, trying to change lanes, etc. And when I am in the car pool lane I drive 65 unless I'm blocking other cars (then I get out at the next entrance). Anyway, my 2 cent.s
When is a red light not really a red light? When the law is obsolete, but the light remains. I found out there are some places where there used to be an intersection, but now the former street either has a factory or cement barricades on it so that it is no longer an intersection. But the light remains. There's no reason to stop there and if you do, you might get hit. So I run those kinds of lights now along with everyone else. Just something I learned by paying close attention to a particular light that people always ignore.
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