The alarming increase in road accidents involving motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles has become a real concern in our communities. I never expected my son, Osmund, to become part of this trend, but he recently found himself involved in a frightening incident while making a left turn toward a mall in Las Piñas.
As Osmund carefully navigated the turn, a motorbike suddenly sped toward him. He instinctively applied his brakes, but the motorbike still side-swept his bumper and skidded on the road. When Osmund called to inform me, I was shaken by the news.
He initially assured me everything was fine, but when he sent a photo of the other driver lying motionless on the pavement, my heart dropped.
During the pandemic, I considered learning new skills like carpentry or welding. Driving a motorcycle was never on my list—not because it isn’t useful, but because it requires nerves and a skill set that not everyone has. Motorcyclists face constant risk, sometimes fatal, from collisions with vehicles or, worse, from bullets. According to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries claim about 1.25 million lives worldwide every year, a statistic that reminds us how fragile life on the road can be.
Thankfully, when I looked at the photos again, I saw the other driver sitting up and later, standing to accompany the police to the outpost for investigation. The incident was resolved amicably, with Osmund agreeing to pay for the motorbike’s repairs. Though it meant some expense, I was relieved that no one was seriously injured and that medical bills wouldn’t add to the burden.
I’ve always advised Osmund to avoid arguments in such situations. If the cost isn’t too high, it’s better to pay and walk away, especially if the police seem sympathetic to the other party. In this case, the officers stated that the motorbike rider had the right of way. However, examining the photos, the issue seemed debatable: Osmund had already crossed about 75% of the intersection, and the damage suggested the motorbike hit the side of his bumper, not the other way around. This incident could have been avoided if the traffic lights were functioning properly. During that time the signal light was on yellow signal all the time which could have added to the confusion of who should go first.
The investigator sided with the motorbike rider and issued Osmund a ticket, claiming he was at fault. Osmund sensed that the police were hinting at a unique arrangement, suggesting they might reduce charges as “help.” He wisely chose not to engage, fearing it would lead to a costly negotiation. Later, when he paid the ticket at the main office, he was surprised to find two charges: one for being involved in an accident and another for reckless driving.
It was fortunate that Osmund did not contest the charges at the station, as this might have opened the door to further more costly dealings. Interestingly, the other driver did not press charges, but the police insisted on penalizing Osmund alone.
Sometimes, standing up for what is right can be exhausting and complicated. When the hassle outweighs the benefit, it’s often better to accept the situation and learn from the experience. Above all, I am thankful that God protected Osmund that day, sparing him from more serious trouble. As road incidents continue to rise, this close call serves as a reminder for us all to drive carefully, stay calm, and prepare ourselves for the unexpected challenges on our roads. ||
