The number of deaths and injuries caused by vehicular accidents in the National Capital Region went down in 2017, an annual report from the Metro Manila Development Authority showed.
Based on the 2017 data collated by the MMDA through its Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System program, a total of 434 people were killed, down by 12 compared to the 446 number of deaths in 2016.
It also showed that the number of injuries in road accidents happened last year dropped by 1,502 to 19,374 from the previous number of 20,876.
“Record shows, that the actual number fatality in 2017 was 434 persons per 423 recorded cases of road crash which is lesser compared to 446 persons per 426 recorded cases in 2016. It shows effectiveness of the engineering solutions and interventions ofa the MMDA towards road safety,” the 2017 MMARAS report stated.
It also stated that “in 2017, the number of injuries in Metro Manila’s roads were 19,374 persons. A decrease of 7.19 percent from 20,876 of actual number of persons injured in 2016.”
MMDA Traffic Engineering Center chief Noemie Recio attributed the significant decrease of the number from the agency’s intensified apprehension of jaywalkers and implementation various road and traffic policies such as the motorcycle and bus lane schemes, and the one-truck lane policy along Circumferential Road – 5 (C-5 Road).
Recio also cited the construction of additional footbridges and fences, and lightings on major streets in Metro Manila as contributing factors.
The 2017 MMRAS report showed that reckless motorcycle riding is also described as the top cause of deaths and injuries on Metro Manila streets.
It said that motorcycles listed with 247 the total number of deaths, followed by trucks (118) and private cars (97). The records further stated that 24,058 motorcycles were involved in the road accidents last year.
“Motorcycles have the highest fatality accident rate,” said Recio.
Motorcycles also topped the list of vehicles with the most number of injuries at 12,182, up by 726 compared to the 11, 456 number of injuries in 2016; followed by cars (7,681).
MMRAS is a program created by the MMDA aimed at improving road management in the metropolis.
Government records showed that most road accidents happen because of undisciplined motorists, drunk driving and the use of mobile phones while driving. Most of these incidents involved reckless motorcycle riding men.
Records also showed that the number of motorcycles has steadily increased over the last four years in the Philippines. The entry of cheap motorcycles in the country and the worsening traffic condition in Metro Manila are seen as the primary reasons in pushing the demand for motorcycles.
The MMDA has been coming up with solutions to solve the problem in road safety. Among the measures are the installations of pedestrian facilities, signages and footbridges. Sidewalk clearing operations were also intensified.
“Road Safety is a global concern and the task to lessen the number of traffic accidents is a daunting objective but possible with the cooperation and support of the public,” the MMDA said.
Senator Ralph Recto had urged the Department of Transportation to include in its budget the acquisition of medical ambulances and tow trucks to address vehicular accidents, which also contribute to the road gridlock.
Recto said aside from saving lives, emergency medical teams can reduce the time when traffic is stopped and a road is blocked by an accident.
