DoTr aligning projects with road safety plan

The Department of Transportation said Sunday it will push more infrastructure projects and implement information drives that will ensure safe and accessible roads for the public.

During the commemoration of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the agency will actively address the alarming number of road accidents in the country.

"The DoTr adheres to its solid commitment to promoting and raising everyone's awareness of the importance of road safety. We will continue to implement programs and projects aligned with the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan," he said.

Meanwhile, Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said the DoTr will coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to build projects that are more PWD-friendly.

Likewise, he said the Land Transportation Office will intensify its seminars for those getting their licenses.

"We want to make sure that road safety is integrated with all road projects. We will exhaust all efforts to enforce road safety policies and interventions as we aim for better and safer roads for all," he added.

According to the MMDA, there are about 1,000 motorcycle accidents per day. As such, there is a need to boost the education of both motorists and pedestrians on road safety.

Based on the latest data from the state-run Philippine Statistics Authority, 1,670 Filipinos aged 0 to 19 die from road crashes annually.

To commemorate the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the DoTr and its attached agencies launched a mural for traffic victims in Metro Manila.