Road safety tips in Iloilo are becoming increasingly necessary as the city grows into a bustling metro. With an increase in cars, traffic, and road widening projects, it’s all too easy for accidents to occur. Let’s not forget the infamous Ungka Flyover that creates a bottleneck of cars and jeepneys during rush hour. This led to the subsequent report of the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) that Pavia had the highest number of road accidents in 2022.
It’s concerning to hear that up to 769 road accidents occurred in the city within the first four months of 2023 alone. However, this number significantly improved compared to last year’s 1,085 accidents from January to April 2022.
While the number of road accidents has decreased slightly compared to last year, we still have a long way to go regarding road safety.
By following simple road safety tips for car owners, bystanders, and children alike, we can all do our part to prevent accidents and make our roads safer. So let’s take a moment to brush up on our road safety knowledge and make Iloilo a city where everyone can travel peacefully.
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Road safety tips for car owners
As car owners, it’s our responsibility to care for not just ourselves but those around us. Driving on the roads can be extremely risky, and it becomes even more so when drivers neglect their duties toward safety. Here are ten ways car owners can contribute towards making our roads safer for everyone:
Ensure your vehicle is BLOWBAG ready
Do you know what BLOWBAG means? It stands for Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, and Gas. Maintaining your vehicle is crucial. Getting regular services, checking your lights, brakes, and tires are necessities to ensure your car is roadworthy.
Buckle up!
Seat belts are life savers and unbuckled passengers increase the risks of accidents and injuries. It might seem obvious, but we must remind ourselves to buckle up.
Follow speed limits
Overspeeding with the loud “vroom, vroom,” is often the reason why car accidents happen. Speed limits are set for a reason, and excess speed can cause accidents. Different roads have varying speed limits, so pay attention to the signs.
Avoid distractions
Distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents due to cell phone usage. Avoid using your phone while driving, and keep your eyes on the road.
Leave ample space between vehicles
Keeping a safe distance between your car and the one in front is essential. It allows enough reaction time for unexpected events.
Be patient – don’t road rage
You made an overturn? Bad choice. Sometimes, driving tests our patience, and other drivers might be slow, but impatience can lead to accidents. Take a deep breath and avoid any form of aggressive driving.
Use turn signals
Using your turn signals while turning or changing lanes is essential to safe driving. It alerts other drivers of your movements and avoids collisions.
Keep your lights on when necessary
Switching on your headlights can be incredibly helpful in visibility for other drivers, even during light showers and overcast skies.
Drive sober
Drunk driving is dangerous and illegal. Planning and having a designated driver or offer to call a ride-sharing service is vital. Many accidents happen due to drunk driving.
Attend a driver safety course
Acquiring new driving skills and keeping up with new road regulations can benefit both new and experienced drivers when it comes to keeping themselves, their passengers, and other drivers safe.
Car owners have a considerable impact on road safety. Following these simple tips can help us create a safer road environment, where we can all travel with a sense of confidence and security.
Road safety tips for motorists and motorcycle owners
Motorists have the most accidents. One overturns and speeds up onto a vehicle and crashes. Moreover, we know many people make habal-habal rides with more than two people on board. And, they happen to be children all the time. Motorcycle owners should ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road. Motorcycles can be dangerous if not properly operated, but there are steps to take to minimize risks.
Wear a helmet
This may seem obvious, but not all states require helmets. A good helmet can make all the difference in the event of an accident.
Dress appropriately
In addition to a helmet, wear protective gear such as gloves, boots, and a jacket with reflective materials.
Check your bike
Make sure your motorcycle is in good working order before each ride. This means checking things like tires, brakes, and lights.
Stay alert
Motorcycles require more attention and skill than driving a car. Stay focused and be prepared for sudden stops or changes in traffic.
Follow traffic laws
Obey speed limits, traffic signals, and lane markings. This is especially important on busy roads.
Use turn signals
Make sure others on the road can see your intentions by using your turn signals.
Stay visible
Wear bright colors or reflective clothing to ensure other drivers can see you. Avoid riding in blind spots.
Don’t drink and ride
This should go without saying, but alcohol significantly impairs coordination and judgment.
Take a safety course
Whether you’re a new rider or have been riding for years, sharpen your skills by taking a motorcycle safety course.
Set a good example
The way we ride can influence others on the road. Ride responsibly and respectfully, and encourage others to do the same.
Road safety tips for children and families
As an NGO founder, knowing that 2,270 children die globally daily due to unintentional injuries is heartbreaking. And with around 35 road crash fatalities (12,690 fatalities in a year) happening each day in the Philippines, it’s clear that road safety is a concern that needs to be taken seriously.
Road safety is an important subject that must be taught to children and families to prevent accidents and injuries. Educating ourselves and others can keep our roads safe for everyone.
- Slow down when driving near schools, playgrounds, and residential areas as children can be unpredictable and may run into the road.
- Always use designated crossings and look both ways before crossing the road.
- Wear reflective and bright clothing when walking or cycling at night or in low light conditions to increase visibility.
- Always wear appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, when cycling, skateboarding or participating in other activities.
- Avoid distractions such as texting or talking on the phone while driving or walking.
- Follow traffic rules and signals, such as stop signs and traffic lights. Make sure children understand these rules too.
- Always face traffic when walking on the side of the road with no sidewalk.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road – this ensures drivers have seen them before they step out.
- Use well-maintained vehicles with functioning brakes, lights and indicators.
- Check the car seat and seatbelt fit for children regularly, and ensure children are seated in their appropriate child car seat until they are tall enough to wear a seatbelt.
- Avoid having children playing near the roads.
- Make sure that there’s a traffic enforcer nearby schools. If not, you can officially write a complaint letter to the LGU and related agencies.
Road safety is community work
As we go about our daily lives, we often underestimate the importance of road safety. It is important to note that road safety is not just the responsibility of one person or group—it is a collective effort that requires everyone’s participation. Certain measures must be implemented to ensure our roads are safe.
Put traffic signs
Traffic signs play a vital role in ensuring road safety. They help regulate traffic and guide drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Ensure all necessary traffic signs are installed and properly placed in your community.
Work with LGUs and barangays
Local Government Units (LGUs) and barangays work closely with communities to improve living standards. You can work with your LGU and barangays to implement policies and programs that promote road safety.
Hold LGUs and government agencies responsible for poorly made structures in road projects.
Ensure the environment is road safe
The surrounding environment plays a huge factor in road safety. Ensure the roads are well-lit, and the sidewalks are clear of obstructions. This helps prevent accidents like tripping and sliding, which can cause severe injuries.
Encourage helmet use for motorcyclists and bicyclists
Head injuries are a major cause of road fatalities. Encourage motorcyclists and bicyclists in your community to wear helmets to protect their heads in case of an accident.
Teach children to be street smart
Children are at a higher risk of road accidents as they are not yet fully aware of road safety. Teach your kids to cross the street safely and use the pedestrian lanes.
Make sure vehicles are roadworthy
Regular maintenance checks on vehicles can help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. Make sure that vehicles in your community are roadworthy to minimize road accidents.
Keep an eye out for reckless drivers
Reckless driving is a leading cause of road accidents. If you see any drivers displaying dangerous behaviors, report them to the authorities. This will help keep your community safe.
Designate a pedestrian lane
A designated pedestrian lane can help reduce accidents involving pedestrians. Ensure a dedicated space for pedestrians to walk safely in your community.
Offer driver education programs
Educating drivers on the importance of road safety is an effective way of minimizing road accidents. Offer driver education programs that teach the importance of responsible driving.
Organize road safety campaigns
Organizing campaigns that raise awareness about road safety in your community can be a helpful way of keeping the topic at the forefront of people’s minds. Utilize social media and other means to reach as many people as possible.
Remember, road safety is the responsibility of us all. By taking these measures, you can help keep your community safe and reduce the number of road accidents. Stay vigilant, practice safe driving, and always drive defensively. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone!
