Candidate For Mini Tombs...

By Kerwin De Matas

In Chile, there is a type of tradition, when someone dies on the road or highway, may it be by accident or intentional, they would construct roadside memorials in the form of mini tombs. I don't intend on criticizing any one's culture or traditions. But I would really like to comment on these mini tombs we see daily, where ever we might be commuting or walking.

Which Colour Would You Need?

First, it is no surprise for me seeing or hearing about the road side accidents, since people just don't give a damn when crossing. Everyone just crosses on red lights, without a care in the world. Sometimes it's as if the pedestrians dare drivers to crash into them, or to just humble and slow down! Zebra crossings I respect, and it really is a shame when drivers just don't give a shit, and fly across these crossings regardless of people in the act of walking across.

Doesn't Matter, Respect Them!!

As a driver following the rest of the traffic guidelines, it is precarious driving on the roads of Santiago. It would be a sad day if a driver was to hit some one on these roads, because guess what, even if the driver was in the right, forget it, because witnesses are always on the side of the pedestrian. So might as well look for a good lawyer! Now if a victim dies in an auto accident while crossing, the family would construct a mini tomb on the roadside where the victim was struck. It doesn't matter where the accident occurred, a tomb would appear! First the flowers would arrive, then candles, finally the tomb. It's incredible how many of these mini tombs I would see on a daily basis, to and from work.

They Have Grown To Roadside Cemeteries















More curious, when there would be a cluster of these little tombs on an intersection, appearing like little cemeteries, and people would still continue anyway with this don't care attitude of crossing on red, but then suffering the consequences in the end. This ignorance or refusal to accept the traffic code, is something that is very common in this city, and is one of the greatest causes of roadside fatalities, but evidently, no one's learning, or they just don't give a shit!! So I guess, more roadside cemeteries then!!