Motorcycles involved in 71% of holiday road crashes

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January 2, 2026 | 12:56pm

MANILA, Philippines — Most of the road crash injuries recorded during the Christmas and New Year season had motorcycles involved, according to the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, January 2. 

Authorities have recorded a sample of 1,113 road crash injuries from 10 selected public hospitals, and derived that 787 of these incidents were attributable to motorcycles. This means that motorcycle drivers account for 71% of all recorded road crash injuries.  

In terms of fatalities, five out of seven people who died in the chosen hospitals were on motorcycles. The other two who died were pedestrians. 

The DOH found at least 135 of the injured motorists were under the influence, while 965 were not wearing the right safety accessories. 

The health department issued a stern warning to motorists to wear a quality helmet when riding their bikes. Drivers are also warned not to get behind the wheel when they are tired or sleepy. 

The DOH, moreover, reminded motorists to avoid drinking under the influence. 

Penalties. Under the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, driving under the influence can warrant a fine of three months and a fine of up to P80,000—only if no one was hurt and no property was destroyed. 

Higher penalties and longer imprisonment  will apply once a person is injured due to drunk driving, with the driver facing possible charges of serious physical injuries or homicide under the revised penal code.