HPG records 4,000 motorcycle crashes since January

MANILA, Philippines — A transport group advocate has blamed faulty design and outdated policies for road accidents that resulted in at least 4,000 motorcycle crashes in the first four months of 2023, as reported by the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG).

In a radio interview on Sunday, AltMobility PH director Ira Cruz underscored the need to focus on design and policies to ensure the safety of roads for both commuters and motorists.

“If we are discussing motorcycles, do they have their own lanes in the roads, including the separate lanes for cyclists? While the HPG is partly correct, the government should focus on the correct design and policies to guarantee the safety of the roads,” Cruz said.

Based on PNP-HPG data, a total of 4,029 motorcycle crashes were reported from January to April this year compared to 8,342 incidents in the entire 2022.

“As a transport advocate and planner, we are alarmed that the roads are not safe for the motorists. The number of crashes did not include the number of cyclists, pedestrians affected by the road crashes,” Cruz maintained.

According to Cruz, the plan of PNP-HPG to initiate seminars for riders is not enough to address the increase in the number of road crashes.

“This is not only an issue of discipline and care. Among the causes of crashes are the road designs and whether the policies are still updated,” Cruz said.

Cruz maintained that riders are forced to shift to other lanes due to road defects and obstruction.

“The roads are not designed for the needs of the travelers, for instance, if you need to make a left turn, you need to leave the lane,” he noted.

According to Cruz, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should not only focus on the needs of private vehicles.

“The DPWH should determine if the road safety standards are still enough. The responsibility of the government is not only with the private vehicles. It should consider the welfare of all those using the roads. The motorcycles and bicycles have no protection unlike the cars where passengers are inside a metal box,” he maintained.

He also welcomed the recent visit of the United Nations special envoy for road safety where the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan was discussed.

“We welcome this move to make sure our roads are safe,” he said.