MANILA: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) are ramping up their efforts to reduce, if not completely eliminate, road accidents.

According to data from the Philippine National Police (PNP), there were 46 road crash accidents between January and February of this year, a 60% increase over the 18 accidents that occurred during the same period in 2022.

INPPO Director Col. Julius Suriben claimed that “human error” caused the majority of the accidents.

He said that the INPPO needs to develop the ethics and skills of motorists, especially motorcycle riders who account for the majority of accidents on the province's highways.

Suriben added that more seminars will be organized by the PNP and the LTO to educate drivers and riders.

“It all boils down to discipline and attitude,” he said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in partnership with the Provincial Engineering Office, has installed rumble strips and additional lighting systems, and worked on road improvements in accident-prone areas.

The Ilocos Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan is also recommending the passage of an ordinance on improving visibility on the road for the safety of the motorists. Tricycle drivers, motorbike riders, and kurong-kurong (sidecar for delivery) drivers will be required to enhance their visibility at night.

Suriben believes that enhancing the visibility of the riders will help reduce road accidents since around 80% of the accidents occur at night.

Photo from Department of Public Works and Highways

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