In the bustling streets of Metro Manila, road rage has become an alarming issue. Every day on social media, we see a trigger warning regarding an incident that happened on the road, may it be an entitled enraged driver furious with a fellow commuter, a “kamote” rider who figured in an accident, or an unfortunate incident among PUVs that may have caused significant injury or even loss of life.

In 2022, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority reported that a significant portion of the 72,000 road crashes were linked to aggressive driving behaviors. These incidents not only endanger lives but also contribute to the daily stress experienced by motorists navigating the city’s congested roads.

In 2023, a former police officer named Wilfredo Gonzales threatened a cyclist with a firearm during a traffic altercation — an incident captured by several phone cameras that gave way to a meme in his image and liking.

More recently, in late last March, a shooting incident in Boso-Boso, Antipolo, claimed the life of a motorcycle rider and injured several others, including the partner of the would-be shooter, who was a 28-year-old businessman, now facing several raps for homicide, frustrated homicide, and gun possession violations.

Just yesterday, we saw a terrible accident involving PUVs on Commonwealth Avenue that claimed the lives of innocent passengers.

Such events prompted lawmakers, in 2023, to propose stricter penalties for road rage incidents.

House Bill 8991, for instance, seeks to impose imprisonment of six to 12 years and fines ranging from P250,000 to ₱500,000 for offenders. Deputy Majority Leader Erwin T. Tulfo, along with fellow members of the House of Representatives, filed this bill that would authorize the government to file cases against road rage suspects even without the cooperation of victims.

While legislative measures are crucial, enhancing insurance coverage can also play a vital role in mitigating the consequences of road rage and providing relief to affected motorists.

Recognizing this, Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado has proposed improvements to the Passenger Personal Accident Insurance (PPAI) to include motorcycle taxis, a common mode of transportation in the Philippines. This initiative aims to extend protection to a broader segment of commuters and drivers.

PPAI is a kind of policy that gives the insured car owner, the driver and passengers coverage protection against unavoidable losses caused by accidental bodily injury or death. At present, motorcycle taxis, such as Angkas, Move It, Joyride, etc., are not covered by PPAI.

Additionally, the mandatory Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) insurance coverage has been increased to P200,000 in 2024, offering greater financial support to victims of vehicular accidents. This enhancement ensures that individuals affected by road incidents receive adequate compensation for injuries and damages sustained.

There are other proposals to include mandatory property damage coverage to ensure that the damaged third-party vehicles would be compensated in the accident. This, however, would lead to an increase in the CTPL premium for the driver-owner.

By strengthening insurance policies and expanding coverage, the government can provide a safety net for motorists, alleviating some of the burdens associated with road accidents. These measures, combined with stricter enforcement of traffic laws and public awareness campaigns, can contribute to a safer and more orderly driving environment in Metro Manila and beyond.

Ultimately, addressing road rage requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal reforms, improved insurance coverage and a collective commitment to responsible driving. Through these efforts, we can work towards a transportation system that prioritizes safety, accountability, and peace of mind for all road users, which would hopefully lessen the road rage incidents we see daily on social media.

For comments, email darren.dejesus@gmail.com.