The Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) believes that one of the reasons why vehicular accidents still happen is the behavior of some drivers in the country. 

AAP president Joe Ferreria told ABS-CBN News that drivers need to change their mindset when on the road. 

Changing drivers’ behavior is key to reducing incidents pn the road, he said.

“Kung gusto natin magbago ang trapiko, ang kailangan magbago tayo eh - kasi bago ka lumabas driver ka? ansama ng attitude mo - ang attitude mo singitan, imbes na bigayan. Nagsisimula problema natin sa trapiko dun sa attitude ng tao na ang tingin niya, ibang tao ang may kasalanan - hindi siya,” Ferreria explained. 

Ferreria specifically cited motorcycle riders with bad habits.

“Mga motor kasi, sinusugal nila yung buhay nila para mauna - mali ho yun. Ang pakiramdam ng motor - ang kalsada niya ay yung pagitan ng dalawang sasakyan - yung ang motorcycle lane,” according to Ferreria. 

“Kung bibilangin mo lahat yung reporter and underreported kikilabutan ka sa dami ng namamatay na nagmo-motor. Mag-iingat ka kasi wala kang kalaban-laban diyan. Hindi bakal ang katawan ninyo,” Ferreria added. 

Based on MMDA data, from January to September 2024 alone, there were 55,540 vehicular incidents in Metro Manila. Out of this number, 288 persons died. 

Meanwhile, according to a transport mobility advocacy group, based on reports - only about 2% of road crashes involved bicycles and electric
vehicles. 

AltMobility PH director Ira Cruz said, the government should ensure that enough infrastructures for all types of motorists are in place. 

“Kailangang balikan yung PH road safety action plan ng DOTR - isa sa  recommendations dito yung tamang infrastructure. Mahalaga yan kasi lahat ng modes of transportation may karapatan sa kalsada. At yung presence ng tamang infrastructures yugn magsasaayos kung papaano magbe-behave yung mga sasakyan,” Cruz told ABS-CBN News.   

 “At the end of the day, kahit naman anong ingat o kahit anong suot na protection ng mga sisklista kung rumaragasa ang isang sasakyan, walang kalaban-laban ang mga siklista dito,” Cruz furthered.

 According to Cruz, the right transportation infrastructures will set the behavior of every motorist. 

“Infrastructure dictates behavior - mahirap kasi na isisi natin lahat sa education, - Kung ano yung disenyo ng kalsada malaki yung role nito dun sa behavior ng mga gumagamit ng kalsada,” Cruz explained. 

“Konting courtesy, wag nating gitgitin - tingnan natin na part ‘to ng solusyon at share the road tayo talaga,” Cruz added.