Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Secretary-General Gwen Pang issued a call to action, encouraging everyone to work together to improve road safety in the Philippines.
Pang stressed the need for action from humanitarian organizations, governments, and agencies to ensure safer roads for everyone during her speech at the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Road Safety Observatory and the Implementing the Global Plan of Action Regional Road Safety Seminar on Dec. 5.
“This public health crisis demands a collective approach to mitigate its impact,” she said.
Pang highlighted the PRC’s active role in developing and implementing the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan—a roadmap for road safety in the country.
“Our commitment includes advocacy for enhanced road infrastructure, employment of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, and training of First Aid and Basic Life Support providers,” she said.
She said they also provide “post-care and rehabilitation for accident victims and their families who experience welfare and psychological impact.”
Pang expressed her concern about the alarming rate of road traffic accidents, which result in over 1.24 million deaths annually worldwide.
She added that road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among Filipinos between 15 and 29 years old, which also pose a serious threat to children.
The PRC responded to 1,243 car crashes in 2021, 1,297 car crashes in 2022, and 2,070 car crashes as of November 2023.