At least eight people lost their lives in road crashes during the recent holiday season, with the Department of Health (DOH) reporting a staggering 703 traffic incidents as of Monday, Jan. 6.
The DOH highlighted the persistent challenge of ensuring road safety during peak travel periods, citing data gathered from its eight pilot monitoring sites.
The latest data from the DOH showed 47 new road traffic incidents reported on Jan. 6, bringing the total number of cases to 703 since monitoring began on Dec. 22, 2024.
According to the DOH, this represented a 30.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Among the eight fatalities reported, five were caused by motorcycle accidents.
Prioritize safety
The DOH identified the failure to wear safety gear as the leading cause of road traffic incidents.
As of Jan. 6, a total of 603 cases were attributed to the lack of protective equipment, such as helmets.
Additionally, the majority of recorded incidents involved motorcycles, with 497 motorcycle-related accidents logged during the monitoring period. Alcohol consumption was also a significant factor, contributing to 127 road traffic incidents.
Shared responsibility
The DOH reiterated the importance of discipline and consideration among motorists to improve road safety.
It urged drivers to wear safety gear, such as helmets and seatbelts; avoid overspeeding; follow traffic signs; get adequate rest before driving; and refrain from drinking and driving.
Motorists were also reminded to avoid using cell phones while driving and to remain calm to prevent road rage incidents.