Traffic lights in Dagupan: Useful or not?

(Photo Courtesy by Charles Tulagan)

New traffic lights were installed recently around major junctions throughout the city of Dagupan. But after weeks of installation, does it improved the flow of traffic or made it worse?

Traffic light signals are designed to ensure the safe and orderly flow of traffic, reduce the severity and frequency of accidents between vehicles at intersections, and protect pedestrians. But still, some motorists and pedestrians are not following the simple commands of “GO” and “STOP”.

(Pedestrians violating traffic light signals. Photo Courtesy by Charles Tulagan)

“It made the flow of traffic easier and more regulated. But there are places where the traffic lights are not in sync. It confuses not only the motorists but also the pedestrians crossing,” said John Paul Operana, a motorist and resident of Dagupan City.

According to a POSO officer who refused to be named, these traffic lights should be obeyed at all times. Failure to obey will result to a warning then if repeated, the offender will be given a ticket with a fine which will be paid at the One-Stop-Business Center at the heart of the city.

He also then concluded that even with the presence of officers like him, the motorists and the pedestrians should also be disciplined. As he said, “Malaki ang tulong ng mga yan [traffic lights], pero kung hindi susundin wala ring silbi. Dapat matuto ang mga tao, hindi lang mga sasakyan, pati tumatawid, na sumunod sa batas ng trapiko.”