The 15 vehicular accidents in the Cordillera since the start of the year killed 10 passengers and injured 155 others, according to an official of the Department of Health.

Most of the accidents recorded from January to May this year occurred in the three major highways of Benguet, said Engr. Gaudencio Tiwing, in-charge of the Road Safety Month.

The major routes in and out of Benguet are the Palispis-Aspiras (Marcos) Highway, Halsema Highway, Kennon Road, and Baguio-Nueva Vizcaya Road.

Tiwing said the number of deaths during the first five months is lower compared to 18 deaths recorded in the region due to accidents during the same period last year.

The number of injured individuals is higher. It rose to 155 this year from last year’s 110.

Grim statistics on vehicular accident-related deaths were released to inform the public, especially motorists to strongly support activities and programs lined up in the observance of the Road Safety Month.

Tiwing said mechanical defect and human error are the two primary causes of the accidents. Other causes include inclement weather and poor road conditions.

To minimize car accidents, DOH has released a primer on road safety tips. The primer encourages drivers to check their vehicles regularly and not to drive when under the influence of liquor.

Drivers and passengers are also urged to use seatbelts and obey traffic rules and regulations. Putting into practice road courtesy can also help avert accidents.

With more accidents involving motorcycles, DOH is advising concerned persons to always use the proper helmet and other protective gears.

Several years ago, DOH reported that road and car accidents has been listed in the top five leading causes of death in the country while health officials that time feared that road accidents could become the leading cause of death in the country by 2020.