DOH reports 100% surge in road crash injuries during holidays

Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, 5 January, reported a 100 percent increase in road crash injuries during the recent holiday season.

The DOH recorded 1,384 road crash injury cases from December 21 to January 5, double the 690 cases logged during the same period last year.

Of the total, 647 cases, or 47 percent, involved young people aged 15 to 29.

In separate incidents, seven out of 10 fatalities were motorcycle riders, six of whom were not wearing helmets. Three pedestrians were also killed.

In response, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said road injury prevention and safety would be a priority, as he reminded motorcycle riders to always wear proper protective gear.

"It's easy to wear a helmet when you ride a motorcycle," Herbosa said.

He also urged pedestrians to exercise caution when crossing roads and to use designated pedestrian lanes at all times.

"Drivers and pedestrians need to be careful. To drivers, be careful when driving. Don't drive if you have been drinking, and let's be considerate to all road users," he added.

Herbosa also called for stricter enforcement of traffic rules amid the spike in road crash injuries during the holiday period.