Okay, let’s get real. I am a motoring columnist who would rather not take the wheel, at least not in Manila. While I might have a lot of insights about cars owing to my business, give me a juicy celebrity read any day over an article on the latest automobile model. It’s precisely this perspective, the viewpoint of a non-car enthusiast, that I bring to you in every piece.
As Vancouver’s official driver/apartment mover/college-bringer, I was left with no choice but to drive every day when I brought my daughter to start her freshman year in college. Our usual travel drivers were left at home to organize the second leg of the Vios Cup. I initially considered commuting and using Uber but realized that the cost alone would impede my shopping funds and comfort.
So, with lots of bravery and some practice driving in Spain under the watchful eyes of my backseat driver husband, I rented a midsize SUV. Initially, I thought of driving a Tesla, but the thought of charging woes, in addition to my other tasks, would just drive me straight to a big bowl of ice cream at the end of the day (yup, stress eater).
I was given an almost brand-new Kia Sportage. With the nearly complete Asian invasion of Vancouver, an Asian car would be most appropriate. The drive was smooth and responsive. It also had all the bells and whistles needed (automatic headlights are one of my faves). It has been a long time since I have driven a Kia, and I was surprised by how spacious the latest Sportage was compared to the ones I’ve seen years ago. So, as an essential feature, it had enough space for a Costco run. And that, for me, makes it a clear winner!
Navigating through Vancouver was a breath of fresh air compared to the traffic tumult of Manila. A simple turning signal and the car behind you will give way. No ‘sword fights’ or an open window, hands out plea is needed. It’s just a given. I even got honked at for hesitating to take the position – in Manila, the honks are as endless as our traffic jams.
At stop signs, cars patiently waited their turn; pedestrians were treated like royalty, with cars halting patiently as they crossed.
Now, this leaves me scratching my ultra-dry head, which is in dire need of hot oil, wondering why can’t we have this back home? What does it take?
Is it education? A better understanding of road rules? Or is it the strict enforcement of rules?
Western countries also have an effective no-contact apprehension. In fact, my son recently received a driving ticket for making a wrong turn in Spain three months after the trip. Talk about follow-through.
In Canada, you must take a knowledge test before getting a learner’s permit, then a provisional license until you can become an unrestricted road user. Is making the process harder the key? But on our side of the world, we have what they call fixers.
It could be our personality. Recently, we have seen many road rage videos with former or current uniformed men pulling out guns. Have we all become ‘ego drivers? For a lot of Pinoys, it seems that one car gets in front or past them, they take it as an affront to their dignity.
To wrap it up, in the wise, goofy words of Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
Did your choices today make the road a better place? For comments and suggestions. DM us at Facebook/ Chicdriven or @chicdriven on Instagram
