Ilocos Norte: The Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) has reported a significant reduction in road crash incidents, with only 71 incidents recorded from January 1 to June 16 this year. This marks a 62 percent decrease compared to the 190 incidents logged during the same period last year.
According to Philippines News Agency, the decline in road crashes is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various government agencies aimed at preventing road accidents, which are primarily caused by human error. Col. Jephre Taccad, chief of INPPO's Provincial Operations Management Unit, highlighted these findings during a joint Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council quarterly meeting.
To address road safety concerns, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) have intensified road safety seminars targeting drivers, especially motorcycle riders, who are frequently involved in accidents along the national highway. In addition, the Provincial Engineering Office, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and National Highways (DPWH), has been proactive in installing rumble strips, signages, solar-powered lights, and improving road conditions in accident-prone areas.
An ordinance focusing on visibility enhancement, Provincial Ordinance No. 046-2023, has been enacted and enforced across the province. This ordinance mandates that electric bicycle or e-bike riders, motorcycle riders, tricycles, and kurong-kurong operators wear high-visibility or reflectorized vests at night. Police data indicates that around 80 percent of road accidents occur during nighttime, making enhanced visibility a crucial factor in reducing incidents.
Col. Taccad also noted that the provincial administrator, alongside municipality and barangay local government units, collaborated with the PNP and the LTO to deputize officers for law enforcement. Violators of the visibility ordinance face penalties ranging from PHP500 to PHP1,500 for first, second, and third offenses, or equivalent community service ranging from three to seven days.
