LTO-7 remembers road traffic victims

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 has reminded motor vehicle drivers to be cautious of their safety on the roads, as the world commemorates World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims yesterday.

"This worldwide event which we also do in the entire country and in Region-7 is one way of remembering those who perish in the road accidents as well as a reminder to drivers the risk on the roads if they are unmindful of road safety," said LTO-7 Regional Director Victor Caindec.

At LTO-7, a mass was held and a coffin and a car was put outside their office at the Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City which will serve as a strong reminder that those who are not mindful of their own safety, knows where they are going - "inside the coffin."

Caindec said that most of those who meet road accidents are motorcycle drivers as well as those drivers on a four-wheel vehicles.

Reckless driving such as overspeeding and overloading topped the list as the number one reason for road accidents.

Those who meet road accidents reportedly failed to wear the required helmets for motorcycle drivers and failure to wear seatbelts for four-wheel vehicle drivers.

"Kani nga violations, taas kaayo ang dakop ani. We hope nga mag helmet ug mag-seatbelt gyud unta. Pero daghan gihapon ang dili motuman ani," said Caindec.

LTO-7 said that one of the global efforts in reducing road casualties is through raising awareness on the emotional and economic devastation caused by road crashes.

It also serves as an opportunity to recognise the suffering of road crash victims and establish support system particularly to the families/relative affective.

Meanwhile, in observance of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the Department of Transportation has assured the public that it continues to implement initiatives that will help reduce accidents on the road and intensify awareness on road safety.

"As we commemorate the lives of the road crash victims, let us also remember that there is a dire need to heighten public awareness on road safety. The public needs to realize that road safety must be a shared responsibility,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said, in a press statement.

Citing the World Health Organization data, DOTR said that more than 1.25 million people die every year due to road crashes.

DOTR said that, in 2018 alone, 10,012 deaths from road accidents were recorded in the Philippines.

To address ongoing issues on road safety through multiple fronts, the DOTr and its attached agencies have initiated and implemented various programs, such as the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan (PRSAP), Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), and the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS). Strict enforcement of relevant laws continues, as well.

“We do not want another accident. We do not want another injury. Most importantly, we do not want another loss of life. Rest assured that the DOTr will continue to exert all its efforts in producing programs for the safety of all road users,” DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark De Leon said, in the same statement.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is commemorated on the third Sunday of November each year.

This year’s commemoration is anchored on safer roads and mobility under the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety, which aims to raise the safety and quality of road networks through infrastructure assessment and improved planning, design, construction and operation of roads. (FREEMAN)