Due to drunk driving: Road crashes up by 90% – HPG  

MANILA, Philippines — Road accidents caused by drunk drivers increased by at least 90 percent in November, which prompted the Philippine National Police (PNP) to launch an intensified drive against drunk driving.

Data from the police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) showed 59 accidents were recorded last month as a result of drunk driving.

The figure is higher compared to the 31 accidents registered last October, for an increase of 90.32 percent.

The number is even higher by 210.52 percent compared to 19 road crashes recorded in September.

For December, the PNP has documented 25 accidents due to drunk drivers.

To prevent more accidents from happening, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin said they would assist the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Land Transportation Office in implementing the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.

“The PNP is maximizing efforts to further reduce Public Safety Indicators of total crime incidents by initiating measures to lower vehicular accidents that may result in homicide, physical injury and damage to property,” Azurin said in a statement.

With parties being held during the holiday season, the PNP chief’s publicist, Col. Redrico Maranan, urged motorists not to drive if they are intoxicated, for their own safety.

If they could not avoid getting drunk during parties, Maranan advised motorists to have companions who can also drive.