DOH: Road crashes rise to 577

MANILA, Philippines — Vehicular accidents continue to rise even after the holidays, the Department of Health reported yesterday.

The DOH monitored 577 road crashes, including six deaths, from eight pilot sites from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2. The number is 33.5 percent higher than the 432 road accidents logged during the same period last year.

The fatalities were all motorcycle riders.

Of the total cases, 500 motorists did not wear safety accessories such as helmet, 415 used motorcycles and 108 were drunk.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa reminded motorists not to drive when tired or drunk.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office is ramping up efforts to ensure road safety as travelers returned to work and school following the holiday break.