82% of road crash victims during Holy Week weren’t wearing helmets or seatbelts — DOH

At least 288 road crashes were recorded nationwide from April 13 to 17, and 82 percent of those involved were not wearing helmets or seatbelts, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Saturday, April 19.
In its latest data covering 47 reporting sites, the DOH said four people were confirmed dead, all of them from motorcycle-related accidents.
“Magsuot ng seatbelt at kung magmomotor, magsuot ng helmet sa inyong biyahe (Wear your seatbelt, and if you’re riding a motorcycle, wear your helmet),” the DOH reminded the public in a safety advisory.
Of the 288 total cases, the agency said the 235 involved individuals who failed to use safety accessories, while 221 were motorcycle-related incidents.
Twenty of the accidents involved individuals who had consumed alcohol, the DOH added.
The health department stressed that the 288 figure is 35 percent lower compared to the same period in 2024, but still highlighted the need for stricter adherence to road safety measures, especially after Holy Week.
“Higit sa lahat, maging mahinahon, kalmado, at maunawain sa kapwa motorista (Above all, be patient, calm, and considerate of fellow motorists),” the DOH added, urging all drivers to practice defensive driving.
The health department also encouraged travelers to get enough rest before hitting the road and avoid distractions, including mobile phone use.
For emergencies, the public may contact 911 or 1555, the DOH emergency hotline.