MMDA looking into accident-prone areas involving concrete barriers on EDSA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is checking on accident-prone areas along EDSA involving the placement of concrete barriers, its chairperson said Monday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, MMDA chairperson Benhur Abalos pointed out that some pathways between concrete barriers are funneling down.

“Pinapa-check ko lahat ng mga accident area na ito lalo na ‘yung barriers po na medyo sumisikip, ‘yung nag-eembudo,” he said.

“Hindi lamang po aksidente, pati ‘yung cause bakit nagkakaroon ng embudo,” he added.

In September last year, the MMDA expressed alarm over the number of cases of vehicular accidents related to concrete barriers on EDSA.

Citing the Road Crash Statistics in Metro Manila from January to August in 2020, the MMDA said 31,811 accidents were reported, with 136 fatalities; 6,614 non-fatal; and 25,061 incurred damage to property.

At least 618 accidents on EDSA were recorded this year. At least 509 resulted in damage to property while 105 were barrier-related accidents, according to MMDA.

“Common causes of barrier-related accidents are driving under the influence of alcohol; physical fatigue, over-speeding, distracted driving, unauthorized use of accessories, and vehicle road-worthiness issues,” the MMDA said. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News