Page 154 - May 2018 - December 2018 Issue

Take Control of

Road Safety

By RJ Camano, Quality, Environment,
Safety, and Health

Did you know that motorcycle accident in the Philippines occurs READ THE “VEHICLE LANGUAGE”. Don’t rely on motorists,
almost on a daily basis? The Philippine National Police (PNP) has cyclists or pedestrian in the road. They are often misjudged your
released an official statement expressing the alarming numbers distance and speed. Maintain a safe distance.
of motorcycle accidents that have been occurring around the
country. Every year, motorcycle accidents thrive to a new height. WATCH OUT FOR LEFT-TURNING VEHICLES AT
INTERSECTIONS. Getting by a turning-left incoming vehicle is
Despite repeated warnings from different agencies as well as the most common type of motorcycle crash.
the existence of a law that imposes the mandatory wearing of
helmets, many motorcycle riders is still do not wear protective CHECK BEHIND, WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT FROM A
headgear before hitting the road. The consequence? A rise in the HIGHWAY. Watch your mirrors to ensure that you have an
number of riders who perish on the road as a result of not enough or safe distance before turning left/ right. Signal
wearing helmets. This is based on the data released by the World activation is a must.
Health Organization (WHO) Philippines.
LOOK OUT OR DANGEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS. Wet roads,
The data presented by the WHO showed that in 2016, there were sand, gravel, highway sealant, railroad tracks, potholes and other
11,264 deaths resulting from road accidents in the Philippines, road surface hazards reduces your traction. They might cause
with 53% of the fatalities being riders or passengers of either potential falls.
two- or three-wheelers. Nineteen percent of the fatalities were
pedestrians, while drivers and passengers of four-wheeled SLOW DOWN IN THE CURVES. Majority of the crashes
vehicles made up 14% and 11% of the fatalities, respectively. happened in this spot. You might overshoot the road or cross the
center lane and set hit by an incoming vehicle. Watch the road
The total number of deaths due to road crashes nationwide ahead. Slow down and choose the correct lane before entering
has been increasing since 2006. the curve.

In 2006, the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded 6,869 deaths WEAR A GOOD HELMET. According to research, helmet
due to road crashes. Nine years later, in 2015, that number prevents 67 percent of potential serious head injuries (from
jumped to 10,012. Since 2010, the number of road crash deaths crashes) and 37 percent on fatal accidents or death. Ensure that
never dipped below 8,000. The year with the most number of your helmets has an “IC” sticker and meets the safety standards.
road crash-related deaths is 2015, with 10,012 people killed. This is
1.79% of the 560,605 total deaths (including non-road crash ones) WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. It will provide a secondary
recorded by the PSA that year. protection during the crash and serves as a shield from
increment weather conditions and flying debris. Keeping your
gears in layers, so you can adjust from changing conditions.
Never ride in a light weight pants or shorts.
PROTECT YOUR EYES AND FACE. Constant wind condition can
make your eyes watery and preventing you to spot potential
hazards in the road. Flying insects, dust and debris can hurt your
eyes and face. Make sure that you’re wearing a full-face helmet
with built-in face shield.

BE VISIBLE. Wear bright and reflective clothing. Ride in the
correct lane position, where other drivers can see you. Avoid
blind spot areas.
“Don’t be a victim and part of the statistics, TAKE CONTROL”
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority
Sources:
In line with the November 18 “World of Remembrance for road
traffic victims”, here are some of the MOTORCYCLE SAFE World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines
DRIVING TIPS – to maintain an incident and injury free journey:
TopGearPh
MAKE AN EYE CONTACT. Never assume others can see you.
Always try to make an eye contact with drivers who may be
about to pull into your path

153 | SAFETY