Saturday, July 05, 2008
CAR-MOTORCYCLE CRASH ON RECTO AVENUE
The above photo shows the corner of C.M. Recto Avenue and Nicanor Reyes Street (formerly Morayta). A couple of meters from this corner was the scene of the crash between a private sedan and motorcycle. The video clip below shows its immediate aftermath.
Although it happened only a few meters from where I was at that time, I didn't see it unfold; only startled by a loud, eerie crashing sound that suggested a car crash. By the time I had crossed the avenue to get as close as I could to the scene, the motorcycle driver was already on the ground, seriously traumatized by injuries he had sustained from the impact.
The initial analysis by a traffic officer on the scene suggested the crash may have been provoked by road rage -- both drivers having had an altercation earlier, which led to the car chasing the motorcycle. Seconds later, the car hit the motorcycle from behind, causing its driver to fly off his bike and crash against the road divider.
Luckily, he was wearing a helmet and thus, prevented any life-threatening injury to his head. He was, however, in great pain from injuries he had sustained on certain parts of his body.
Should the result of an official investigation later on reflect the initial on-the-spot analysis of the said traffic enforcement officer, the car driver may face criminal charges such as attempted vehicular murder.
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Labels: life in Manila
posted by Señor Enrique at 8:02 AM
18 Comments:
- EM said...
That was scary witnessing an accident like that. I myself got into car accidents twice both during winter. It's nerve wrecking and dicouraging for a future driver like me. :(
- Unknown said...
Kawawa naman ang motorcycle driver. Even with a helmet on, I'm sure he was quite shaken. I do get nervous sometimes when there are motorcycles beside me on the street. Bigla na lang kasi silang sumusulpot, left and right. Drivers need to remain cool-headed...an impulse to run over a reckless motorcycle should be curbed. Ako, kinakanta ko na lang ang inis ko! Hahaha
- Panaderos said...
The car driver should indeed be charged for attempted vehicular murder. Losing one's cool is no excuse.
- Señor Enrique said...
Practically every driver that I know, EM, had a not-so-pleasant experience during the wintertime especially when the roadways have snow or ice on them. Better be extra careful and never get into a rush mode.
Hope the two incidents you had experienced were not that bad. Take care!- Señor Enrique said...
Once a motorcyclist was so exasperated for being unable to squeeze through between the car I was driving and a parked vehicle, he decided to vent it out on my side mirror and pushed it where I could no longer make use of it. Thank God I was able to contain my anger at him and just corrected the position of the side mirror.
By the way, both drivers of the car and the motorcycle involved in this crash were in their early-to-mid-20s. They must've have had quite a traffic-based confrontation somewhere earlier on.- Señor Enrique said...
I agree with you, Panaderos.
- said...
with the inefficiency of driving rules in Pinas, such accidents are bound to happen. Road rage does compound the problem.
Even here, a taxi driver was unexpectedly shot by the dude he cut on the city streets. The dude was obviously enraged. Good no one was hurt. What an unforgetable lesson for the taxi driver. I hope he learned his lesson.- Señor Enrique said...
That story reminds me of a young entrepreneur who shot a young college student on account of a skirmish over minor traffic incident, BW. His life changed overnight.
Getting cut off by jeepney and taxi drivers are as common in Manila as going to the toilet so, I try to remain cool and not get too bothered by it.
Driving rules notwithstanding, many local motorcyclists are simply arrogant and irresponsible -- jeopardizing their lives and their passengers' in the process.- ScroochChronicles said...
That is precisely the reason why we should impose stricter measures and requirements before issuing drivers' licenses. Just about anyone can secure a license nowadays. It doesn't matter whether you have the skills for Formula 1 or if the only thing you can drive is a skateboard. Kaya nga andaming aksidente eh. Maraming nagmamaneho sa kalye na hindi naman talaga marunong magmaneho.
- gmirage said...
Oh my...grabe na ang pride involve dito =( Good thing he's ok naman.
- Señor Enrique said...
I completely agree with you, Cookie!
- Señor Enrique said...
Problema kasi, Mirage2g -- and this is I'm sure is a universal phenomenon -- sa maraming lalaking driver, masingitan lang parang naalisan na ng pagka-lalake nila, kaya ayun road rage.
Both drivers involved in this crash were young men. Thank God there was no death.- said...
It's a good thing the traffic officers (those wearing black shirts) know some first-aid and applied the proper measures (though not so appropriately) unlike the fat guy with the white shirt who's acting like he's the boss and he knows everything.
What irked me is that he's the one who kept on saying that the injured driver be carried off right away, perhaps to clear the traffic commotion or something. It's a good thing no one listened to him.
Accidents like these are made worse by responding officers and personnel, even by-standers who know nothing about first-aid but who go right in and "help" the victim stand, move his body or carry them to the ambulance etc.- Señor Enrique said...
Fine observation, Jhay. You are so right!
- reyd said...
Both drivers are in their early-to-mid-20s (as you say).... maiinitin pa ang mga ulo ng mga yan.
I watch the video and find some bad examples of stabilizing the patient for medical transport.
Daming amuyongs... :lol:- Señor Enrique said...
That's the other scary part of being a victim of an accident here in Manila, Reyd -- the people who may be providing you with the initial first aid may lack proper training.
But the again, as the adage goes: "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."- said...
"...the car driver may face criminal charges such as attempted vehicular murder."
actually, it's "frustrated murder". The perpetrator has already completed all acts of execution but did not carry out his intent. further, paragraph 3 of Article 248 (Murder) of the revised penal code mentions "by means of motor vehicles".
Bing- Señor Enrique said...
Aha! Many thanks for the correction/clarification, Bing!
Much appreciated :)