TRAFFIC JAM. Traffic scene along the BGH flyover area in this file photo in 2022. The Baguio City Police Office has recorded 712 vehicular accidents from January to September this year, up from the 644 same period in 2022. (PNA file photo)
BAGUIO CITY – An official of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) on Monday urged motorists anew to give themselves more lead time to prevent rushing to their destinations, which is among the causes of upticks in vehicular accidents.
"We also advise the public to anticipate road traffic and leave earlier to go to their destinations so they won’t be late. Sometimes, rushing to your destinations leads to more accidents on the road,” Lt. Col. Domingo Gambican, Operations Chief of the BCPO, told journalists Monday.
Police record shows a total of 712 vehicular traffic accidents (VTA) from January to September this year, higher than the 644 incidents same period last year.
He said the accidents were due to human error, mechanical defects, and driving under the influence of liquor, and have resulted in property damage, physical injury, and homicide cases for some.
BCPO data show that most accidents this year transpired from January to March, or when there was an influx of tourists.
With the increased number of road crashes in the city, Gambican reminded motorists to always check brakes, lights, oil, water, battery, air, and fuel before traveling to ensure a safe journey.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong has earlier directed the BCPO to strengthen its information and education campaign on road safety using the Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS), by strategically deploying police personnel in areas identified as accident-prone.
This is on top of the BCPO personnel deployment during rush hours, or from 6 to 8 in the morning and from 4 to 7 p.m., to help ease traffic.
Engr. Aloysius Mapalo, city tourism officer also urged tourists to enjoy walking around the city since the cool weather and fresh air is perfect for relaxation and for health.
He also advised the public, including tourists, to take public transportation or better yet, to walk to their destinations to avoid the hassle of being caught in traffic, spending so much on gasoline, and being stressed due to the traffic jams. (PNA)
