From January 1 to May 15, 2024, a total of 1,921 traffic and vehicular accidents were recorded in Camarines Sur.
The town of Pili logged the most number of accidents, based on data from the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO). Most of the accidents in Pili involved motorcycles.
- Pili: 221 incidents
- Iriga: 149 incidents
- Tigaon: 115 incidents
- Baao: 114 incidents
- Nabua: 113 incidents
- Libmanan: 113 incidents
- Ragay: 102 incidents
COMMON CAUSES
According to the police, the majority of the accidents are caused by human error. Many motorists reportedly lacked defensive driving skills and often made reckless maneuvers.
"Karamihan is human error. ‘Yung ibang mga motorista, hindi marunong sa defensive driving skill. Kumbaga ang ginagawa nila, basta may daan, singit nang singit," PMAJ. Rolando Kalagui Jr., Deputy Chief of Police of Pili Municipal Police Station (MPS), said.
Jesus Santiago Sarte, the Municipal Administrator and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) head, said good road conditions sometimes give motorists a false sense of safety, causing them to drive faster and more recklessly.
"Sa hiling ko, ang magayon na kondisyon kang roads, saro iyan sa nakaka-contribute. Kasi ang paghuna kang ibang motorists, magayon iyan, malapad, sementado, ang iba may pavement ning asphalt [kaya] magayunon magbiyahe," he said.
"Ang problema, nalilingaw sinda na may mga pedestrians man giraray tapos pareho nindang motorists," he added.
Joefel Flestado, Senior Technical Education and Skills Development (TESD) Specialist at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Training Center-Pili, said the foundation of a responsible motorist lies in understanding and adhering to traffic rules and regulations.
"Kasi po ang driver, kapag mayo ning disiplina, diyan nagpopoon itong aggressive na driver; and kapag mayong disiplina, dae [na] nag-oobserve ning traffic rules. Saro siya sa mga rason na magkakaigwa ning aksidente," Flestado said.
MEASURES
In response, the local government of Pili continues to remind the public about traffic safety through its public address system.
It also plans on adding more closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras for real-time monitoring, ensuring that street lights are functional, and adding more traffic signs.
E-bikes have also been banned from the highway.
"Dae kami pwede sa highway ta arog kaiyan, critical na iyan diyan. Darakulaon na bus ang nag-aaragi. Digdi lang kami sa ruta mi," Virgilio Lisgniana, an E-padyak driver, said.
Authorities also stress the importance of conducting BLOW BAGETS checks (Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, and Self) to ensure the vehicle is in good condition before hitting the road.
However, the most crucial aspect they highlight is the need for discipline and courtesy towards pedestrians and fellow motorists.
