Is a refresher training course needed for drivers involved in traffic violations and vehicular accidents?
The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and the City Engineering Office-Traffic and Transportation Management Division (CEO-TTMD) are suggesting a refresher course as a requirement for drivers perennially involved in traffic violations and vehicular accidents.
Engr. Jan Vincent Niñalga of the CEO-TTMD said an average of 2,000 traffic violation apprehensions are logged monthly in their office.
In 2022, there were 17,000 traffic violation apprehensions which increased to 19,300 this year as of August.
BCPO City Director, Col. Francisco B. Bulwayan, Jr., reported an increase in the number of vehicles involved in traffic accidents from 721 in 2022 to 804 this year for the same period of January to October.
He said the majority of the accidents resulted in damage to property, physical injuries, and cases of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
Bulwayan added of the 721 vehicular accidents last year, 561 are four-wheeled vehicles and 160 are motorcycles. For the 804 recorded vehicular accidents this year, 613 are four-wheeled vehicles and 191 are motorcycles.
Both officials identified disregard to traffic signs and traffic personnel as among the issues affecting driving attitudes causing vehicular problems as well as unfamiliarity of road terrain for visitors and uncoordinated infrastructure projects.
Some of those involved in traffic accidents were also found unfit to drive being under the influence of liquor.
The lack of pavement markings, signages, and proper infrastructure were likewise identified causing traffic violations, thus the need for the city to revisit pedestrian placements, loading and unloading areas as part of the local government’s technical plan on traffic and transportation.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong has ordered the mapping of roads with prevalent traffic accidents for appropriate interventions to be incorporated in his administration’s Smart Mobility goal. – Jessa Mardy P. Samidan
