Kamote drivers

In a recent interview before the Holy Week rush, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has advised all travelers to stay safe on the road, follow traffic rules, and avoid becoming kamote drivers.

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Anew breed of urban legend has emerged in the bustling chaos of Philippine streets: The kamote riders. It will not be difficult for anyone to notice them today. Usually attributed to reckless motorcycle riders, the term also applies to egoistic drivers of other vehicles who would get involved in a road rage situation, which is becoming common today.

Infamous for their unpredictable maneuvers, disregard for road rules, and aggressive behavior, these individuals have become a source of frustration and fascination for other drivers, commuters, and pedestrians alike. Whether weaving through tight traffic with reckless abandon or flaunting creative driving tactics, kamote behavior is as much a cultural phenomenon as it is a traffic concern.

The term “kamote” is the Tagalog word for sweet potato, and it is used as a cultural metaphor to imply that someone is slow or not good at something, especially in school. But who are these daring drivers, and what fuels their chaotic presence on Philippine roads?

How do you describe a kamote driver? These drivers usually run red lights, drive against the flow of traffic (counter-flowing), overtake in blind spots, ignore signal lights or double yellow lines, and ignore lane markings. They often drive at excessive speeds, weave in and out of traffic dangerously, and make sudden, unpredictable maneuvers. They are aggressive drivers who seldom exhibit road courtesy, often leading to road rage situations.