Wazzup Pilipinas!?
“You tell me, may side mirror ka, ako wala.”
Motogirl Yanna said what she said — but was she right or just reckless?
This viral clip didn’t just spark laughs — it lit up the comment section with debate over road entitlement, safety, and Filipino driving behavior.
Funny how one line can expose how we really drive in the Philippines.
You tell me… is it just her?"
In a moment that has both amused and unsettled the Filipino online community, a viral video featuring a female motorcyclist—dubbed "Motogirl"—has ignited a fiery debate on road safety and driving culture in the Philippines. The clip captures her confronting a car driver with the now-iconic line: “You tell me, may side mirror ka, ako wala.” This seemingly simple statement has peeled back layers of deeper issues plaguing the nation's roads.
The Viral Spark: More Than Just a Meme
At first glance, Motogirl's quip appears as a humorous jab, but it underscores a pervasive problem: the normalization of unsafe driving practices. Her admission of lacking a side mirror—a basic safety feature—highlights a broader culture where such oversights are commonplace and often dismissed. This incident serves as a microcosm of the daily challenges faced on Philippine roads, where safety protocols are frequently overlooked.
Entitlement and the Erosion of Road Courtesy
The Motogirl incident brings to light a deeper issue: a culture of entitlement among drivers. As noted by human ecologist Lourdes Escolano, pride and a sense of superiority often lead to road rage and dangerous driving behaviors. This mentality manifests in various ways, from disregarding traffic rules to aggressive driving tactics .
Such attitudes contribute to a hazardous driving environment, where the size of one's vehicle or perceived status dictates behavior, rather than adherence to traffic laws and mutual respect.
The "Bahala Na" Mindset: A Fatalistic Approach to Driving
A significant factor exacerbating road safety issues is the "bahala na" or fatalistic attitude prevalent among Filipino drivers. This mindset leads to risky behaviors, such as overtaking on blind curves or ignoring traffic signals, under the belief that fate will determine the outcome .
This approach not only endangers the driver but also other road users, reflecting a broader disregard for safety and responsibility.
Alarming Statistics: A Wake-Up Call
The consequences of these cultural attitudes are evident in the statistics. The Philippines ranks as the 7th most stressful country for new drivers, with high congestion rates and a road traffic death rate of 12.0 per 100,000 people .
Moreover, only 52% of drivers in the country wear seatbelts, a significant drop from 79.7% in 2013 . These figures underscore the urgent need for a cultural shift towards prioritizing road safety.
Towards a Culture of Courtesy and Safety
Despite these challenges, there are signs of positive change. Initiatives promoting courteous driving, such as the "First to stop, first to go" approach, are gaining traction. This practice encourages drivers to yield and cooperate, fostering a more harmonious driving environment .
Manila Standard
Such grassroots movements demonstrate that change is possible when individuals take responsibility and lead by example.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Motogirl's Message
Motogirl's viral moment serves as a mirror reflecting the state of driving culture in the Philippines. Her candid admission and the ensuing public discourse highlight the urgent need to address issues of entitlement, fatalism, and disregard for safety on the roads.
By fostering a culture of accountability, courtesy, and adherence to traffic laws, the nation can move towards safer and more efficient roadways. The question remains: will we heed this wake-up call and take the necessary steps to change, or will we continue down the path of complacency?
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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