An accident on J.P. Laurel Highway in Barangay Banay, Lipa City, Batangas late evening on December 10, 2023 killed a pedestrian and a passenger of a motorcycle.
Investigation showed that a car was traveling toward San Jose, Lipa, Batangas when it attempted to avoid a pedestrian who reportedly tried to cross the street. Despite best efforts, the pedestrian was still hit. The car then veered to the outer lane and hit the rear part of the motorcycle traveling there.
The hood of the car was reportedly raised, hindering the driver's visibility.
"Nag-signal na po siya and huminto oo itong [pedestrian]. Ayon naman po dito sa driver, nu’ng malapit na po siya doon sa lane bigla pong tumakbo ‘yung ating tumatawid [na pedestrian], dahil po doon iniwasan niya po ito kaso po nahagip ‘yung ating victim sa left portion ng sasakyan and then kumanan po siya doon sa slow lane natin. [Yung] nakasabay niya po itong motor vehicle na natamaan naman po ‘yung rear portion ng vehicle," says PLT. Jessrene Camancho of the Lipa City Police Station.
Emergency responders were quick to bring the victims to the hospital but the two passed away later.
According to authorities, the victims' families have already communicated with the car driver.
Camancho has this advice to motorists:
“Para po maiwasan natin ‘yung mga ganitong accident sa pagmamaneho, mahalaga po na sumunod po tayo sa batas-trapiko, and also po mag-ingat sa bilis po ng takbo, iwasan po natin ‘yung paggamit po ng cellphone while driving, and of course po, don’t drink and drive, and also palagi po nating tandaan po [ang] ating rules and regulations pertaining po sa ating mga pedestrian lane."
