Road traffic deaths in the Philippines have increased by nearly 60 percent over the past decade. During the holidays in December, road accidents spike due to increased travel and vehicle volume, causing more collisions. Alarmingly, data shows that reckless driving is the top reported traffic violation, and about one-third of crashes are alcohol-related as celebratory drinking leads to more cases of drinking and driving.
Improving road safety has emerged as a top priority for the government in recent months. President Marcos’ discussions with the United Nations’ road safety envoy in early November underscored his administration’s commitment to aligning with the UN’s 2021-2030 Decade of Action for Road Safety goals, which aim to make roads safer for all.
As we enter the holiday season, the need to address road safety becomes even more urgent and relevant. To do so will require a sector-wide approach, including structural changes to improve road conditions for users, stronger law enforcement, and updated road safety policies, as well as efforts to encourage more responsible driving practices among motorists.
Recent data on driver behavior shows troubling signs that need to be addressed. An ongoing study by the Department of Health and IDinsight shows a high prevalence of drinking and driving among Filipinos: 41.3 percent of drivers admitted to driving after drinking alcohol, while nearly one in five use their phones while driving.
The attitudes toward these practices are equally worrying. One in four Filipinos believes it’s okay to drive after three alcoholic drinks if they don’t feel drunk. One-third think it’s fine to use a phone while stopped at a red light. These views highlight the need to address prevalent misconceptions and promote safer behavior. Targeted public awareness campaigns this holiday season can help toward this goal, while actors work toward broader structural changes in the long term.
Unsafe driving practices have broader implications for road users beyond drivers. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to road accidents, with drinking and driving as a top safety concern for commuters. Distracted driving, such as using a phone while behind the wheel, further adds to these risks, and has been found to impair driving and increase accident risk.
The Philippines Road Safety Action Plan for 2023-2028 promotes a multisectoral and multi-pillar approach toward improving road safety with the aim to reduce road traffic deaths by 35 percent by 2028. The action plan emphasizes public awareness and support for road safety, as well as stricter implementation of road safety laws. While there has been some progress toward this, there are some action points that are yet to be addressed. For example, revision of existing laws, such as the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999, which does not mandate rear seat belt use, can further strengthen road safety policies.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. This holiday season, we can all contribute by adopting safer driving practices. Travelers should not drive under the influence, refrain from using mobile phones while driving, and wear helmets and seat belts properly. Friends and family can hold each other accountable to enhance road safety practices. Finally, local governments and business owners can reclaim the roads in their local neighborhoods by ensuring that organized Christmas fairs are pedestrian-friendly.
Alice Redfern,
Steven Walker,
Levina Adiputri,
IDinsight