MANILA, Philippines — In just one week, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 350 cases of road accidents.
This figure is based on data gathered from eight pilot sites monitored by the DOH for road-related incidents, covering the period from Sunday, December 22, to Saturday, December 28, at 6 a.m.
Sixty-six cases were reported on Saturday, adding to the 284 cases recorded on Friday.
The DOH said that the latest tally of 350 is 23 percent higher than the recorded road accidents during the same period in 2023.
It also maintained that road accidents caused by lack of protective gear remain the highest with 306 out of the 350 total cases.
READ: Most of road mishap victims during holidays lack protective gears — DOH
It noted that of the total, 239 cases were from motorcycle accidents while 63 were caused by drunk driving.
Two individuals were reported to have died in motorcycle accidents after sustaining head injuries and not wearing helmets. However, no data on the time of death has been made available as of this writing.
“Ang head injuries dulot ng pagkabagok nang walang helmet o hindi pagsusuot ng seat belt ay mapanganib at pwedeng makamatay,” DOH said in a statement.
READ: DOH reminds of safe travel practices during holidays
The health agency 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
- Exercise wearing helmets for motorcycles and seat belts for cars
- Follow the speed limit set and road signs to ensure safe travel and avoid accidents
- Ensure having seven to eight hours of sleep before traveling to stay alert in driving
- Avoid using phones and other distractions when driving
- Immediately call 911 or 1555 DOH hotlines in case of emergency