DOH: 3 dead from road incidents during holiday season

Three persons have died from road incidents during the holiday season, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Saturday.

Two of them died from head injuries after refusing to wear motorcycle helmets, according to the DOH.

Additionally, the DOH logged 66 new cases of road incidents on Saturday, pushing the total to 350 cases from 22 to 28 December.

This is 23 percent higher compared to the same period last year.

Of the figure, 239 were motorcycle-related accidents, 306 were not using safety accessories, and 63 were under the influence of alcohol.

The Health Department advised motorcyclists to wear helmets and seatbelts for drivers and passengers.

“Hindi lang sakit ng ulo sa aberya ang pwedeng kahantungan ng aksidente sa kalsada. Ang head injuries dulot ng pagkabagok nang walang helmet o hindi pagsusuot ng seatbelt ay mapanganib at pwedeng makamatay (Road accidents don't just cause headaches, they can also lead to serious head injuries from driving without a helmet or failing to wear a seatbelt. These injuries can be dangerous and even fatal),” the DOH warned.

Drivers were also advised to avoid driving if tired or have consumed alcohol and to likewise follow the set speed limit and road signs to ensure safe and orderly travel and to avoid accidents.

“Panatilihin ang disiplina sa kalsada para makarating nang maayos at ligtas sa inyong destinasyon (Maintain discipline on the road to reach your destination safely),” the agency said.

The DOH also reminded drivers to make sure to have seven to eight hours of sleep before traveling “to stay alert and ready to drive” and to avoid any distractions, such as using a cellphone.