By: JANTZEN ALVIN
The Provincial Police Office of La Union revealed an alarming increase of vehicular traffic incidents (VTIs) in the province during the “Byaheng Kalusugan: Road Safety Month 2024 coordination meeting led by the Department of Health – Ilocos Region yesterday in San Fernando City, La Union.
Data presented by PNP La Union showed a total of 872 VTIs with 88 deaths recorded from January – December 2023 compared to 511 cases reported in 2022 with 77 deaths.
Deputy Provincial Director for Operations, Police Lieutenant Colonel Arnold S. Ongachen stated that the cause of VTIs are mostly due to overspeeding, driver under the influence of liquor/drugs; and running over or avoiding potholes which causes them to loose control, miscalculations and distracted driving and lack of knowledge on traffic rules and regulations.
“For the part of he PNP, we have intensified our efforts in lessening VTIs through the deployment of checkpoints in major areas of the province. We have deployed more personnel to effectively decrease VTIs.”
“Pag may nakikita po kasing mga pulis at checkpoints sa daan, nababawasan po ang pagkakaroon ng disgrasya dahil karamihan po ng naaksidente, lalo na sa mga nakamotor ay walang mga lisensya at hindi rehistado ang mga sasakyan,” Ongachen explained.
The “Byaheng Kalusugan: Road Safety Month” 2024 celebration is aimed to provide awareness to motorists, commuters and pedestrian that road safety is a shared responsibility and road accidents and deaths can be prevented through a collaborative effort of all concerned.
DOH Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco reiterated her call to motorists to be mindful once they boarded their vehicles. “Practice safe and defensive driving when you are on the road. Don’t overspeed, always be alert and also avoid road rage.”
“Ang pagiging responsible sa pagmamaneho ay daan upang maiwasan ang anumang disgrasya na maaaring mangyari,” she emphasized.
Representatives from the LTO, DPWH, ITRMC, PHO La Union, PDRRMO, PNP Regional Office 1, PNP La Union, PIA La Union, PDOHO La Union, DOH1-HEMS, San Juan LGU and members of the Cyclist and Bikers Association of LA Union attended to provide meaningful inputs for the finalization of the program of events.
