‘Tis the season to be careful: CCTO official to drivers

Following the number of road accidents in Cebu City in the past few days, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) reminded all motorists to be extra careful when driving.

CCTO operations chief Francisco Ouano said most of the drivers are trying to beat the Christmas rush, but it should not be the reason for them to disregard safety measures.

“We are reminding everyone to be very extra careful, particularly since almost everyone is rushing,” he said.

Ouano said drivers should not drink alcohol beverages if they will be driving. Drivers should also drive defensively and be vigilant with their surroundings, particularly this Christmas season, he added.

Last Thursday, Dec. 13, a family of three, who had just come from a Christmas party, figured in a road accident on S. Osmeña Blvd. A passing water tanker sideswiped their motorcycle while they were on their home to Liloan. The mother was killed instantly after she was run over by the truck. Her husband and their son later died in the hospital.

Ouano said motorcycles make up the majority of vehicles that got involved in recent accidents, but he doesn’t have exact numbers because his office is still collecting data on how many accidents took place over the week.

He also said drivers should constantly check their vehicles for defects.

Meanwhile, Ouano said they expect a heavy volume of vehicles on the road until January, when the city celebrates the weeklong Sinulog.

He said all of their traffic enforcers have been deployed to supervise traffic and are not allowed to go on leave until next month.