When Safety Becomes a Prayer: A Personal Reflection on Road Accidents, Reckless Driving, and the Need for Change

 

The past few weeks have been heartbreaking. We’ve seen headlines filled with tragic accidents at SCTEX, NAIA, and other major roads—lives lost in an instant, families forever changed. It’s a painful reminder that no matter how careful we are behind the wheel, we’re never fully in control—not when there are reckless drivers, neglected vehicles, and a system that sometimes lets safety fall through the cracks.

As the country mourns these senseless tragedies, we offer our deepest sympathy to the victims and the families they’ve left behind. It's impossible not to feel the weight of their grief. These were innocent people—parents, children, workers, travelers—whose lives were taken too soon. We grieve with them. And we ask the questions: How did this happen again? Could this have been prevented?

These events have rightly prompted government agencies to take action. There are renewed discussions about stricter licensing policies, the need for better oversight in vehicle registration, and ensuring that public transport operators meet higher safety standards. Even NAIA began installing safety bollards to protect passengers and pedestrians from similar disasters.

The Department of Transportation is forming a technical working group to propose new rules, especially for provincial buses. One of the suggestions? Shortening the driving hours of bus drivers to avoid fatigue—a step that should have been implemented long ago.

But let’s be honest: this isn’t just about new policies. For years, we’ve seen how weak enforcement of existing rules—and the ongoing problem of corruption—has endangered lives. I remember when I renewed my car registration on August 28, 2024, I witnessed something disturbing. A shuttle van was undergoing emissions testing. But instead of a proper test, the staff used a damp cloth to filter the exhaust and placed the testing pipe into a mineral water container, not even the actual pipe. It was a clear manipulation to pass a faulty vehicle.

I knew it was wrong. And yet—I stayed silent. Like many others, I didn’t speak up. Why? Because the person doing it was the one in charge. What can one voice do, right? But now, I regret not doing more.

We’ve all seen them—those smoke-belching vehicles on the road that make us wonder, How did they even pass the test? We see drivers speeding like there’s no tomorrow, swerving through traffic like their buses or motorcycles are made for stunt work. It’s reckless. It’s scary. And too often, it’s fatal.

As someone who used to commute by bus, I’ve felt that fear firsthand—drivers who act like they’re in a race, cutting through traffic with no care for the passengers or vehicles around them. Even small cars and motorcycles are not exempt. Some drive with complete disregard for human life.

So what can we do?

Honestly, I’ve come to rely on two things: personal responsibility and prayer. Before I leave the house each day, I say a prayer—not just for myself and my family, but for every driver, passenger, and pedestrian I might encounter. Because safety shouldn’t be left to luck or government regulation alone. It has to start with us.

I also make sure my car is in good condition, following regular maintenance schedules and safety checks. It’s a small thing, but it matters. It’s my way of saying, I value life—mine and others’.

Recently, I read a story from one of the lone survivors of the SCTEX accident. He lost his entire family in the crash. And yet—his heart was filled with forgiveness. He even worried about what would happen to the bus driver’s family if the franchise was suspended. His strength and compassion moved me deeply. Forgiveness like that is rare, and it’s inspiring. But it also made me think: why do we wait for tragedy before we learn our lesson?

As someone who interprets the law and seeks justice, I always try to encourage fair settlement and understanding between parties—especially in situations where no one intended harm. But still, the goal should always be to prevent these tragedies from happening in the first place.

So today, I leave you with this:

Be the change you want to see on the road.

Drive as if someone is waiting for you to arrive safely.

Maintain your vehicle.

Respect others.

Speak up when something’s wrong.

And never underestimate the power of prayer and kindness. 

Let me share with you the prayer I say every day before heading out:

"Lord, thank You for protecting us while we sleep. Thank You for giving us another day to live. Forgive us our sins. Protect us always and keep us away from any kind of danger, tragedy, calamity, or accident. May all motorists, passengers, and passersby—including myself, my husband, my kids, my parents, my siblings, my in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, neighbors, workmates, and their families—act with caution not just while driving, but wherever we may be. Help us avoid harm, loss of life, and damage to property. May we all be kind in word, action, and deed—and return home safe and sound. Amen."

 

We don’t need to wait for more lives to be lost before we care. Let’s care now. Let’s act now.