Rescuers attend to one of the victims of a road mishap in Talisay City in Cebu. (Photo courtesy of JOY TUMULAK)
MANILA, Philippines — Most victims of road accidents during the holiday season did not wear protective gear, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday.
This finding was based on the figures that the DOH gathered from the eight pilot sites it monitored for road-related mishaps from December 22 until 6 a.m. of December 27.
249 out of the 284 total cases indicated that the victims did not use any safety accessories like helmets and seat belts.
The total cases were nine percent more than the incidents recorded during the same period in 2023.
Out of the 284 cases, 196 involved motorcycles.
Meanwhile, 53 incidents were caused by drunk-driving.
No data on other causes of the road mishaps have been made available as of this writing.
“Baunin ang disiplina sa inyong paglalakbay para ligtas na makauwi sa inyong mahal sa buhay,” the health department said in a statement.
(Bring along discipline when traveling to come home to your loved ones safely.)
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The DOH also issued the following reminders for safe travels:
- Avoid driving when tired or drunk because it can affect coordination, concentration and quick response to road situations.
- Wear helmet when riding motorcycles and seatbelts for cars.
- Follow the speed limit set and road signs.
- Ensure having seven to eight hours of sleep before driving to stay alert.
- Avoid using phones and other distractions when driving.
- Immediately call 911 or 1555 DOH hotlines in case of emergency.