Does The Philippines Pass The Global Road Safety Report?

[sonjack2847]

In 2013, there were 4 reported road fatalities a day in the Philippines, according to the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2015. The report compiles road-related statistics of 180 countries.

That’s 1,513 fatalities for the year. That only takes into account reported deaths; WHO estimates that total road traffic fatalities are at 10,379. That increases the daily rate from 4 to 28 deaths a day. The report categorized road users into the following groups: 2- or 3-wheelers motorized riders, passengers of 4-wheelers and light vehicles, drivers of 4-wheelers and light vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

More than half (53%) of the deaths are from 2- or 3-wheelers motorists. This relates to the low enforcement of the national motorcycle law which is rated only 6 out of 10 (compared to 9 out of 10 for Singapore). The study compiles more road safety laws and how strongly these laws are enforced in the 180 countries part of the study.  See below for the enforcement rating of each law in the Philippines:

National motorcycle helmet law – 6/10

National speed limit law – 5/10

National seatbelt law – 5/10

National drink-driving law – 1/10

National law on mobile usage while driving – no law enacted

The Philippines is one out of three Southeast Asian (SEA) countries with no national law on mobile phone use while driving. Seven other SEA countries already have these laws in place.

[Read more: Top Causes of Road Accidents in the Philippines]

A safer PH, a safer you

Don’t be a statistic. Despite the low enforcement of laws, there are multiple ways to prevent road accidents and deaths. Here’s how you can keep yourself safe while on the road:

1. Obey the rules

Motorists should abide by traffic laws to avoid road accidents. Just because no one you know wears a seatbelt, doesn’t mean you have to follow. Wearing seatbelts reduces life-threatening injuries by 43%, according to key statistics presented by the Road Safety Observatory.

2. Equip your car

Equip your car with safety features. These includes an emergency breaking system, curtain airbags, an intelligent speed assist (ISA), electronic stability control, and a lane-keeping assist system to name a few. These features may result in a pricier car, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. Leave the house prepared

Some things are just out of your hands, no matter your preparation and carefulness. 75% of car crashes happen within 40 kilometers of your home (which covers the distance from Commonwealth to Alabang). For this, protect yourself through comprehensive car insurance. This does not only cover vehicular repairs, but it also provides medical assistance and reimbursement in the unfortunate event that a road accident or death happens.

The Global Status Report on Road Safety 2015 shows that the Philippines has a long way to go in reducing the four reported daily road fatalities. There are laws in place, but they should be strongly enforced. More than that, motorists should also do their part by following the rules and driving intelligently.

[Mike S]

The Global Status Report on Road Safety 2015 shows that the Philippines has a long way to go in reducing the four reported daily road fatalities. There are laws in place, but they should be strongly enforced. More than that, motorists should also do their part by following the rules and driving intelligently.

 

:hystery: :hystery: :hystery: :hystery: :hystery: ...... sorry Jack but I needed that .... especially the drive intelligently part .... 

[DavidK]

Obviously here it goes straight on the nail in the CR.