Road improvements and their paradoxical effect on safety
THE STREETS of Iloilo City and the broader Western Visayas certainly benefit from the government’s commitment to infrastructural improvement. The transformation of national roads and key thoroughfares from two lanes to four not accommodates the burgeoning vehicular traffic but also modernize the region’s transportation framework. However, this well-intentioned initiative seems to have ushered in unforeseen consequences that challenge the very premise of road expansion as a panacea for traffic woes and safety concerns.
Despite these infrastructural enhancements, road congestion remains a persistent issue, exacerbated by the continued growth in private car ownership. This trend is fueled by the absence of a comprehensive mass transportation system, compelling more residents to rely on personal vehicles for their daily commute. The Regional Development Council (RDC) has pointed out an alarming byproduct of these improved roads: a high-speed environment conducive to road accidents, contributing to a distressing increase in road crash deaths — from six to seven deaths per 100,000 population in 2021.
The irony is palpable. Roads designed to be safer and more efficient have, in part, become conduits for recklessness and tragedy. There seems to be an oversight in the planning and execution of road improvement projects: the failure to account for human behavior and the complex dynamics of road usage. The enhanced quality of the roads, while facilitating smoother and faster travel, has inadvertently encouraged higher speeds and riskier driving practices.
Moreover, the absence of an effective and efficient mass transportation system has broader implications beyond road safety. It contributes to environmental degradation through increased greenhouse gas emissions, further diminishing the quality of life in urban areas. The call for motorists to practice road courtesy and safe driving by Iloilo City’s Public Transport Management Office head, Jeck Conlu, reflects a necessary but insufficient response to a multifaceted problem that demands a holistic solution.
The collaborative effort between the National Economic and Development Authority - Region 6 and the Research Institute for Mindanao Culture of Xavier University in sharing knowledge and proposing initiatives for road safety is a step in the right direction. However, it also highlights the urgent need for comprehensive planning that integrates road safety, environmental sustainability, and the development of mass transportation systems.
There must be a paradigm shift in how we conceive and implement transportation policies. The goal should not be merely to facilitate the rapid movement of vehicles but to ensure the safety, well-being, and environmental sustainability of the communities they serve.