MMDA creates road safety action plan to reduce crash casualties

The government and the private sector have joined forces to craft a road safety plan in response to the "alarming" number of road accidents in the National Capital Region.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the Metro Manila Road Safety Action Plan (MMRSAP) 2024-2028 aims to reduce road crash fatalities by 35% by 2028.

The Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System has recorded about 92,583 road crashes annually over the past decade, or an average of 410 deaths each year.

“Among these fatalities, 51% are drivers, 36% are pedestrians, and 13% are passengers,” the MMDA said.

MMDA’s initiative was supported by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), World Health Organization - Philippines, and The Policy Center.

The local government units in Metro Manila, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Health, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office were also among the stakeholders that contributed in the development of the action plan.

Their meeting focused on road safety management, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response.

MMDA said the road safety action plan is part of  Project 6: Traffic Safety and Education under the 5-Year Action Plan of the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan for Metro Manila funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

"Road safety is a shared responsibility,” DOTr Project Evaluation Officer Paulo Mejia said.

“To address this public health issue, multisectoral actions ensuring sound road safety governance, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response care are imperative,” he added. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/KBK, GMA Integrated News