IS ANTI-JAYWALKING ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE IN DAVAO CITY? | DAVAO LAWS

The anti-jaywalking ordinance in Davao City which took effect last December 1^st of 2016 has brought around 15,000 guilty jaywalkers. According to  Sunstar Balita, they specified a number of 14,704 jaywalkers recorded from December 2016 up to March 3, 2017. A huge number of violators which was mostly seen across San Pedro Street and around the Bolton area.

Photo Credits to PhotoCrawler

The caught violators were not given any penalties yet but instead, they were invited to join the seminars/orientation with regard to the ordinance.

This law is not just about the benefit of the pedestrians but also to the drivers. It will be helpful and easy for the drivers to anticipate pedestrians who will cross the street if everyone will use the pedestrian lane.

It is understood that this law ensures the safety of the people in Davao but there are things that are needed to be considered first and to be aware of;

San Pedro Area
Photo Credits to Capt Mark O (taken  from tripadvisor)
                   

1.) Not enough pedestrian lanes

This problem makes everyone tempted to jaywalk. When the gap between pedestrian lanes seems like a kilometer apart and crossing the street directly is like a meter away, could you blame the person if he jaywalks?

2.) Faded Pedestrian lanes on some areas

This is a trouble not only for pedestrians but also to the drivers. The pedestrians could violate the law due to faded lanes and the drivers could not immediately expect pedestrians to cross the street. 

3.) Some traffic lights for pedestrians are not working properly

Above all, we really need an official personnel who will man these points for pedestrians to be reminded by their responsibility. Like the anti-smoking ordinance, Dabawenyos firstly need a strict guidance for complying the law. So, on the process, we could make things a habit even without anyone watching if we are really serious about this implementation.