THE Davao City Police Office-Traffic Enforcement Unit (DCPO-TEU) has reported an increase in vehicular accidents in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year.
Based on the data provided by DCPO-TEU, the number of reported car crash incidents for January to June 2023 is 2,942. This is a 30 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022 with a total of 2,251 incidents.
Out of the 2,942 incidents, 59 of these were hit-and-run incidents, which equates to 0.2 percent of the overall vehicular incidents.
These include the cases of Ana Mae Talili in January this year, and recently, the case of Mark Ken Suarez Mariscal, a former contestant in a prominent singing competition. Both Talili and Mariscal died after being run over.
As for the number of vehicles involved in vehicular accidents, there has been a 26 percent increase in the first half of 2023 with 5,086 compared to 4,033 in the same period of 2022.
DCPO-TEU Chief PMajor Dexter Domingo said the increase in the reported incidents and vehicles involved was due to the relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions following the improving healthcare situation caused by the large number of vaccinated population.
In addition, the increased number of vehicles on the roads is due to the resumption of face-to-face classes at all levels.
Domingo, however, said that there was a decrease of 12 percent in the incidents due to the summer vacation of students, as well as the strict implementation of Executive Order No. 39 series of 2013, an order setting the speed limits for all kinds of motor vehicles within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City and the Republic Act No. 4136 otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code Act.
Among all the vehicles involved in road crashes, 39 percent of them were private vehicles followed by motorcycles with 18 percent, then by trucks with 10 percent. Most of these incidents happened between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In terms of severity of the incident, damage to property has the highest probability with 85 percent, three percent for minor physical injury, two percent for serious physical injury, and one percent for homicide.
Meanwhile, the Buhangin Police Station is still looking into the Mariscal incident as per the order of Davao City Police Chief Col. Alberto Tupaz and Police Regional Office Director Pbgen. Alden Delvo.
"Hindi tumitigil basta may nangyaring incidente lalong-lalo na may buhay na involved ang Davao City Police Office, Hindi kami tumitigil (The Davao City Police Office will not stop especially, if there is a life involved in the incident. We will not stop)," Domingo said.
The DCPO-TEU Chief, meanwhile, encouraged those who witnessed "hit and run" incidents not to hesitate and immediately report it to the nearest police station.
As for drivers or vehicle owners who are responsible for running over a pedestrian, Domingo said they should not abandon the victims or else they will be charged with the crime of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. (RGP)