EVA C. VİSPERAS
Start young, start safe
CROSSING the streets has always been a concern for me. Not to praise or brag, but I have always been a law-abiding citizen. A simple rule, such as crossing only at pedestrian lanes, is something I strictly follow—not just for my own safety, but also out of respect for drivers and fellow pedestrians. After all, the streets are a shared space, and everyone has a role to play in keeping it safe.
Yet, despite years of road safety campaigns, I still see adults crossing streets anywhere they please. In Tagalog, we say, “Kung ano ang nakikita ng bata, yun ang kanilang ginagaya.” Children learn by observing. If they see parents, siblings, or friends disregarding pedestrian rules, they too grow up neglecting them—putting themselves at serious risk. A child stepping onto the road without thinking may not fully understand the danger, and one careless driver can change a life in an instant.
This is why the recent initiative by the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), led by Chief Arvin Decano, is both timely and crucial. Together with the teachers of West Central Elementary School I, POSO conducted pedestrian safety orientations for Grade 1 pupils. The program focused on the proper use of pedestrian lanes, sidewalks, and traffic lights. Through short lectures and live demonstrations, students actively practiced crossing the street safely and learned to read basic road signals.
The goal is simple, but its impact is profound. Teaching children road discipline at an early age helps prevent accidents and instills responsible habits that will serve them for life. Young learners become more aware of their surroundings and understand that safety is not just a personal concern—it is a shared responsibility. By showing them how to use pedestrian lanes properly, we give them a practical skill that could save their lives.
Drivers, of course, share the responsibility. Respecting pedestrian lanes is non-negotiable. They must stop when pedestrians are crossing, allow them safe passage, and never treat it as a race against time—or worse, a race with kamatayan (death). Every driver who hurries past a pedestrian lane disregards not only the law but also the value of human life. Mutual respect between drivers and pedestrians is the cornerstone of road safety.
This initiative has not gone unnoticed. Mayor Belen Fernandez herself, in her Bantay Dagupan program livestreamed every Wednesday and Thursday, praised the POSO for this simple yet meaningful program. During the episodes, the mayor, with broadcast co-hosts Ilet Breguera and Violy Ferrer, highlighted the importance of educating children early, recognizing that these small lessons have ripple effects for the entire community. Indeed, adopting such habits young can transform a city into a safer, more responsible place for everyone.
During my college years in Baguio City, I observed that pedestrians truly enjoyed respect from drivers, and everyone—young and old—followed the rules by heart. Crossing the street was never a gamble; drivers stopped when pedestrians were in the lane, and pedestrians waited their turn patiently. That culture of road discipline is something we should aspire to replicate here in Dagupan. It proves that respect and awareness on the road are learned behaviors, cultivated over time and reinforced by consistent practice.
Teaching children to cross safely is only one side of the coin. Adults must model the behavior. No matter how many lessons are taught in schools, if a child sees an older sibling, a parent, or a neighbor flouting traffic rules, the lesson loses its power. Drivers, too, should receive proper education on pedestrian rights and road safety. After all, responsible driving is a habit that protects both motorists and pedestrians.
Simple rules—like stopping at pedestrian lanes and waiting for traffic lights—may seem small, but they have a huge impact. They prevent accidents, foster a sense of civic responsibility, and build a culture of mutual respect on the streets. Safety is not a luxury; it is a basic necessity, and everyone, young and old, must take it seriously.
We owe it to our children and to ourselves to practice what we preach. Good job, POSO Dagupan, for taking the lead. Let us all—pedestrian and driver alike—do our part. Safety starts with awareness, awareness starts with observation, and observation starts young. By teaching our children to use pedestrian lanes properly, and by modeling this behavior ourselves, we take a crucial step toward a safer Dagupan for everyone.