EIGHT passengers sustained injuries in a vehicular traffic incident involving a van and truck along Halsema Highway in Kilometer 54 Cattubo, Atok, Benguet.

Captain Jayson Eugenio, Atok Municipal Police Station (MPS) officer-in-charge said on October 20, the passenger van was bound to Baguio City when it crashed into a truck headed to Mountain Province.

Injured were Juanita Lucaben (70), Juliet Lomedio (59), Angeline Camiling (70), Orlando Sagengao (50), Jacob Sab-it(73), Rosalinda Sab-it (53), Ceasar Rosado Lucaben (35), and Caroline Sido (53).

Five out of the eight injured were already sent home after they were treated at the Benguet General Hospital and Atok District Hospital.

Eugenio said based on their initial investigation, the van was traversing the slippery portion of Halsema Highway when the accident happened.

Approximately 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes according to The World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO stated between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injuries.

WHO also identified the risk factors that need to be addressed to prevent road crashes. These are driving under the influence of alcohol and other psychoactive substances, speeding, non-use of motorcycle helmets, seat-belts, and child restraints, distracted driving, unsafe road infrastructure, and unsafe vehicles.