Faces of Death in the Philippines: Road Accidents

For the longest time, road accidents have been notorious in claiming millions of lives around the world. In the Philippines, thousands are being sent to funeral homes because of road mishaps, including the victims of the recent fatal field trip accident in Tanay. The said bus accident has killed 15 people, 14 of which are college students, and left 40 others injured.

Road accidents like the Tanay field trip incident aren’t entirely new in the country. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 10,379 victims die annually, based on its Global Status Report on Road Safety 2015. According to the report, 53% or more than half of these road traffic fatalities are motorcycle riders while 19% are pedestrians. Furthermore, 14% are drivers of four-wheeled vehicles and 11% are passengers.

(rappler.com)

While there are existing laws in the Philippines that aim to provide safer roads for the public, the statistics above clearly shows how inefficient the enforcement is. For instance, the enforcement of RA 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 received a dismal 1 out of 10 rating from the WHO. The implementation of speed limit and seatbelt laws got 5 out of 10, while the enforcement of motorcycle helmet law received a 6 rating from the same agency.

In addition, the lack of proper driver’s education program also contributes to the whopping record of road accident fatalities in the country. In fact, driver error due to the inadequate driving education was even the primary cause of road accidents in the country based on this list.

According to Paulo Subido, associate editor of Top Gear Magazine, drivers should take the initiative on educating themselves. The government should also start implementing a proper driver’s education program to lessen the victims of road mishaps. As of today, accident is the fourth leading cause of death in the country. However, the Department of Transportation and Communication fears that more will be sent to funeral homes in 2020, as road accidents might become the leading cause of death by that year. Hence, the need for better law enforcement and providing safer roads should already be a priority.

(bit.ly/2lg0EsK)

Truth be told, it doesn’t have to come to the worst scenario before we act on the matter. The government surely plays an important role in achieving safer roads for the public, however, we as citizens are also responsible in doing our own share. For instance, keeping in mind these easy tips from AutoTrader.com should help prevent getting yourself in a road mishap.

Be courteous to other drivers.
Do not tailgate.
Keep at least one hand on the steering wheel.
Look backwards when backing out.
Perform engine maintenance regularly.
Pull into traffic slowly.
Scan 12 seconds ahead.
Watch for kids.
Watch for red light runners.

Road accidents pose a threat that can be preventable if we only become responsible individuals. As the WHO puts it: "Real, sustained successes at reducing global road traffic deaths will only happen when road design takes into consideration the needs of all road users."

Sure, the government of the Philippines has the power to create road designs and implement rules to ensure our safety, but it would be futile if we ourselves do not know how to follow the said rules. In the end, we’ll end up in funeral homes if we take careless actions and be inconsiderate individuals out in the road.