Spike in road accidents in Aklan prompts calls for stricter safety measures

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At least eight vehicular accidents are recorded in Aklan on May 19 alone, with more reported the following day

AKLAN, Philippines – A string of road accidents in Aklan, including a collision that killed three people, has prompted the police and officials of national government line agencies to call on local governments in the province to tighten road safety regulations and enforcement.

Officials said at least eight vehicular accidents were recorded in the province on Monday, May 19 alone, with more reported the following day. 

Among the most serious was a collision between an oil tanker and a tricycle in Barangay Ochando, New Washington town, which resulted in three fatalities and left four others badly hurt. Police said initial investigation showed that the tank truck came from Iloilo province and the driver, who had no reliever, may have been sleepy.

In a separate incident that same day, a 64-year-old van driver from Banga, Aklan, died after his vehicle crashed into a bus in Pandan, Antique.

New Washington town police chief Major Mark Darrel Villanueva said the local governments, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Aklan Provincial Engineering Office need to install more road safety signage in critical or accident-prone areas.

Marlon Velez, chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Aklan, said they have launched separate investigations into the causes of the recent increase in road accidents in the province.

He said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was tapped as they began inspecting stores that sell motorcycle helmets to make sure those being sold meet government standards.

Authorities noted that one of the accidents in Banga on Tuesday, May 20, involved a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) driver who died because he wore no helmet. His motorcycle was accidentally hit by a police patrol vehicle.

Velez said the LTO would also inspect driving schools in Aklan, emphasizing their responsibility to ensure that motorists are properly trained in road safety protocols.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Western Visayas has approved the Ligtas na Kalsada for All (LinkAll) project and activated a special planning committee tasked with formulating a road safety action plan for the region. – Rappler.com