DOTr raises concern over increase in deaths due to road accidents

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday has expressed concern over the increase in the number of deaths caused by road accidents, Joseph Morong reported on "24 Oras."

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said more than 11,000 individuals died due to road accidents last year, which is higher than the 10,000 deaths before the pandemic.

Road accidents are also the highest non-disease cause of death.

Bautista said some road accidents are due to drunk driving, speeding, and texting while driving.

"Many drivers don't fear the road, there's no fear," he added.

Based on the primary data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), road accidents are the thirteenth cause of death of Filipinos in 2022.

According to the United Nations, one person dies every twenty-four seconds due to road accidents worldwide. This is also the leading cause of death for children and youth aged 5 to 29.

Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt, who is currently in the Philippines, urged strict enforcement of traffic laws.

He also recommended practical ways to avoid road accidents such as  assigning speed limits and use of seat belts and helmets.

In cities with widespread mass transportation, the number of deaths in accidents has dropped by half.

Still, according to the UN, the increase in road accidents is due to human behavior.

"Human behavior at all the level. You know, the behavior of the pedestrian, the pedestrian can break it, an accident with a car or a motorbike," Todt said.

DOTR then noted that the agency is trying to resolve this by implementing stricter acquisition of driver's licenses and inspections of private and public vehicles. -- Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News