CCTO: At least 400 accidents occur in Cebu City monthly

THE Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) reported that an average of 230 to 400 vehicular accidents happened on the city’s roads every month from January this year until July.

This was revealed by CCTO executive director Paul Gotiong during the first Mobility Summit on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022.

Gotiong said the common causes of these accidents are overspeeding, disregarding traffic signs, and drunk driving.

In his presentation, Gotiong noted that vehicular accidents not only hamper the flow of traffic but also contribute to economic losses.

Aside from the number of vehicular accidents, Gotiong also mentioned that there is an increase in the number of private vehicles plying the city’s roads.

A recent report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and Truck Manufacturers Association showed that the average monthly vehicle sales in the country are 25,000 units.

Gotiong said 80 percent of the vehicles occupying the roads in Cebu City are privately owned, while public utility vehicles comprise only around 10 percent. The remaining 10 percent are service vehicles of various government offices that include emergency vehicles.

The city is also experiencing a lack of public transport, especially now that restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic have been eased and businesses are reopening.

The CCTO has observed a rising demand for public transport and prolonged waiting time for commuters at night, said Gotiong.

“This trend will be increasing in the coming months when face-to-face classes will be in full swing and because we are already starting the holiday season,” Gotiong said.

Around 80 participants from the public and private sectors were present during the first day of the mobility summit.

International speakers were also given time to share their country’s best practices when it comes to handling and improving traffic and transportation systems.

Among the topics discussed during the first day is the implementation of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit and the proposed development of a light rail system and cable car system as modes of mass transportation. /