La Union logs high road accident rate

The number of vehicular accidents in La Union reached an alarming level last year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Citing reports from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the DOH-Ilocos office said the number of fatalities from these road accidents also went up.

The province posted 872 vehicular accidents with 88 fatalities from January to December last year.

The figure is more than 50 percent higher than those recorded in 2022 with 511 accidents and 77 fatalities.

Authorities said among the top causes of road accidents are speeding, drunk-driving, defective roads and lack of knowledge on traffic rules and regulations.

To minimize the number of vehicular accidents, the provincial police deployed officers and set up checkpoints along major areas.

“The presence of policemen helps prevent road accidents because a majority of the incidents involved drivers who have no license and vehicles that are unregistered,” Lt. Col. Arnold Ongachen, deputy director for operations of the La Union police, said.

As this developed, the PNP and the DOH launched the “Byaheng Kalusugan: Road Safety Month” to inform motorists, commuters and pedestrians that road safety is a shared responsibility and that road accidents and deaths can be prevented.

DOH regional director Paula Paz Sydiongco reminded motorists to be mindful when driving.

“Practice safe and defensive driving when you are on the road. Don’t speed, be alert always and avoid road rage. Responsible driving is one way to avoid road accidents,” Sydiongco said.