Experts to discuss safety of Metro roads

Can major roads in Metro Manila be made safe?

This question will be answered tomorrow, Jan. 26, as the country’s top transportation experts meet for the 3rd Road Safety Conference at the Dusit Hotel.

Organized by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) in cooperation with Toyota Motors Philippines and the UP National Center for Transportation Studies, the conference will focus on so-called "arterial roads" that connect Metro Manila’s 17 cities and municipalities.

Johnny Angeles, chairman of the AAP’s road safety committee, said representatives from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, as well as trucking, bus and jeepney associations have confirmed their participation in the day-long conference.

"We are gathering all of them to discuss the use of seat belts, helmets, enforcement of drunk driving rules, care and management of traffic lights and installation of U-turns and fences on arterial roads," he said.

Among the roads to be covered in the conference are EDSA, C-5, Quezon Avenue, North Bay Boulevard, Commonwealth Avenue, Osmeña Highway, Marcos Highway and Ortigas Avenue.

Most vehicular accidents in Metro Manila happen on these roads as millions of vehicles pass through them every day.

Just recently, at least three were killed when a school service vehicle lost control and slammed on of the posts of the Metro Rail Transit in EDSA.

The driver, reportedly drunk, was among those who died in the accident.