The launch event was part of the celebration of Philippine Road Safety Month and this year’s Global Road Safety Week. The Global Road Safety Week is commemorated annually on the third week of May to raise awareness of traffic rules and advocate for road safety to prevent injuries and casualties.
Every year, more than 1.3 million people die in road traffic crashes worldwide. Road traffic crashes are the 8th leading cause of death for people of all ages, and the leading cause of death for children and young adults. More than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users, which include pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders.
In the Philippines, road traffic deaths are increasing. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicate that road traffic deaths increased by 39% from 7,938 deaths in 2011 to 11,096 deaths in 2021. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among Filipinos 15-29 years old, and a major killer among children. In 2020, the number of deaths dropped to 8,746 deaths, and this is likely due to the reduced mobility of the population during that year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the number of deaths again increased to 11,096, coinciding with the end of lockdowns and mobility restrictions. Road traffic injuries cost about 2.6% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Road traffic injuries are a major yet often neglected public health issue. Deaths and injuries from road crashes are preventable, and all sectors have roles to play in promoting road safety. Together with the DOTr, WHO is committed to working with all concerned agencies and organizations that share the vision of safer roads for everyone. Let us all #RethinkMobility and save lives from road crashes,” said Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines.
The Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028 serves as the blueprint for the country's road safety initiatives, and seeks to reduce the number of road traffic deaths by 35% in 2028.
“The DOTr takes road safety seriously. Its approach is anchored on prevention. In fact, majority of transport projects are aligned towards promoting road safety. But the DOTr needs to benchmark the effectiveness of these initiatives with global standards. After the official release of the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan, it is high time to put it in action and ensure significant reduction of deaths on the road,” said DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista.
The Philippine Road Safety Action Plan is built on five pillars with identified strategies in creating a safer road environment.
The first pillar – road safety management – highlights the need for the following: strengthening DOTr as the lead agency for road safety, establishing quality data, enhancing research, engaging stakeholders, promoting multimodal public transportation and land-use planning, and advocating for adherence to applicable international agreements and adoption of global best practices on road safety.
The second pillar – safer road – tackles safety in infrastructure design, construction, operation, and maintenance and highlights addressing the safety and mobility needs of vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
The third pillar – safer vehicles – focuses on enhancing vehicle registration and inspection systems and compliance to harmonized vehicle standards and regulations. It also highlights the importance of establishing an audit team dedicated to public utility vehicles, private fleets and other public utility vehicle (PUV) operators. Further, it includes putting in place regulations for safe use of electric vehicles as covered under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).
The fourth pillar – safer road users – emphasizes increasing public awareness and support for road safety. It recognizes the importance of media and communications and highlights the importance of stricter enforcement of laws on road safety.
Lastly, the fifth pillar – post-crash response – focuses on improving access to pre-hospital care, trauma care, and rehabilitation for victims of road crashes. This pillar ensures that road crash victims receive appropriate, immediate, and subsequent medical care.
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