HPG intensifies road safety drive along Transcentral

CEBU, Philippines —  The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has intensified its road safety awareness campaign following a spate of road accidents at the Transcentral Highway that connects Cebu City and Balamban town in the midwest.

Police Major Mike Gingoyon, HPG provincial chief, said they are launching the “Oplan Lambat-Bitag Sasakyan” to address the series of accidents in the province. The program aims to expand the road safety awareness of the public.

Gingoyon said they are specifically giving attention to Transcentral Highway because of the several accidents in the area.

"In fact last Sunday lang, nag conduct mi dira og checkpoint together with the LTO (Land Transportation Office)  unya constant pud among coordination with the chief of police dira sa Balamban," said Gingoyon.

Three days ago a female rider and her male backrider died after a speeding pickup truck rammed into their motorcycle while traversing the Transcentral Highway in Barangay Gaas, Balamban.

The driver of the pickup truck claimed his brake malfunctioned and lost control of the vehicle while negotiating downhill. However, initial investigation revealed that he was travelling at high speed.

Gingoyon said it is important to maintain the vehicles in good condition before operating them on the highway to prevent accidents. According to Gingoyon, poorly maintained vehicles, drunk-driving, overspeeding, and reckless driving are often the cause of road accidents.

Gingoyon said that accidents can be prevented thru education and responsible driving.

Among the road safety interventions the HPG has done to prevent future accidents at the Transcentral Highway is the installation of a signage along the highway reminding the motorists how many people have died in the area because of accidents. That way, Gingoyon said, the public will be more careful.

They are also conducting simultaneous checkpoints in the area to discourage reckless driving.

"Ang akong ma observe no if once naa ang HPG with the LTO ug other agencies, the PNP and LTFRB, hinay jud magpadagan ang mga motorista sa TCH, if makita nila nga naay checkpoint, kung naay mga police nga nag operate," said Gingoyon.

"Pero once gali na wala, kana lagi naay mamitikay (picture), mag gara-gara man gud ng uban gud," he added. — FPL (FREEMAN)