In observance of Road Safety Month, Senator Bong Go emphasized the critical need to strengthen road safety measures in the country, urging for an intensified education campaign and the enactment of Senate Bill No. 1290, also known as the Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act.

A co-sponsor of the bill, Go aims to establish safe routes for cyclists, pedestrians, and slow vehicles across the entire country.

In an ambush interview after personally providing aid to poor residents in Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan on 18 May, Go expressed his concern about the deaths recorded in the country each year due to road crashes.

“According to the DOTr (Department of Transportation), mayroon pong around 11,000 deaths recorded kada taon sa Pilipinas dahil po sa road crashes,” cited Go.

“Sa kadalasan po, ito pong drunk driving, over speeding, texting while driving, iwasan po natin ‘yan, at human error,” he added.

Based on the 2018 World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety, the Philippines is showing a growing number of road traffic deaths, with a mortality rate of 12.3 for every 100,000 residents. This positions the country as the tenth most dangerous in Asia in roadway mortalities.

Additionally, Southeast Asia is notable for having the second-highest incidence of road traffic deaths worldwide.

To combat this issue, Go urged the relevant government agencies involved in the Philippine Road Safety Plan for 2023 to 2028 to intensify the road safety education campaign nationwide.

“Halimbawa, ‘yung mga kumukuha po ng driver’s license, siguraduhin pong complied talaga, dapat walang palusot, dapat pumasa sa mga practical at theoretical lessons. Kasi mayro’ng iba sa kanila nagpapakuha na lang sa mga fixer,” Go pointed out.

The senator emphasized that road safety is not only crucial for drivers and their passengers but also for pedestrians.

He also urged everyone to abide by the law and drive safely, emphasizing the shared responsibility to ensure road safety for all.

In addition to his advocacy for education and awareness, Go is also pushing for the enactment of SBN 1290, which aims to provide secure and easily accessible routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and non-motorized vehicles. The bill, authored by Senator Pia Cayetano, has already passed the third reading in the Senate.

Go highlighted the importance of promoting alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling, walking, and slow vehicles, by establishing a network of safe pathways, bicycle lanes, walkways, and slow streets across the country.

“Importante dito, ligtas at healthy tayo kapag nakapagbike tayo at (friendly) sa ating environment, at exercise din po ito sa ating katawan. Dahil ang bike naman po, walang ginagamit na krudo o gasolina, environment-friendly po ito,” said Go.