The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started coordinating with other traffic enforcement agencies for the implementation of road safety measures as exodus to the provinces for the Yuletide season begins.
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the police and enforcers from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) they will also focus on running after intoxicated drivers, especially those who would come from Christmas parties.
“The PNP is maximizing efforts to further reduce Public Safety Indicators of Total Crime Incidents by initiating measures to reduce vehicular accidents that may result in homicide, physical injury, and damage to property,” Azurin said.
Based on MMDA's Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS), there were around 57,179 road crashes already recorded this year, or an average rate of 156.65 cases per day, which is lower than last year’s 160.12 daily average.
Republic Act (RA) 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act states that anyone caught driving under the influence may be meted with imprisonment, and/or fines of up to PHP500,000, depending on the seriousness of the accident.
In a statement, the LTO also reminded the public to take extra safety measures as they hit the road to go to the provinces or take advantage of Yuletide break for a vacation.
"Safe travels along our roads must always be observed, especially during this holiday season. Regardless of the many activities of merriment common during the Yuletide season, people and motorists must always maintain discipline in the use of roads. Road safety is important, he said, to avoid road crashes and prevent injuries, damage to property and worse, loss of lives," LTO chief Jose Arturo Tugade said.
“It’s been two years since the pandemic where we failed to celebrate the joys of the season by going to parties. Now that more people can again move to and from parties, it is still important to observe road safety when we travel, not only for ourselves but also for other road users,” he added.