EDITORIAL - Unsafe travels

In La Union the other day, 21 passengers were injured when their bus fell into a canal. The driver, who surrendered to police, said he lost control of the wheel as he negotiated a curve along the Naguilian Road going to Baguio City.

Such accidents have become a normal occurrence, especially during the annual rush to visit hometowns for the observance of the days of the dead and saints. Winding mountain roads, including those leading to Baguio and the Cordilleras, are particularly prone to vehicular accidents.

Poorly maintained vehicles are often the cause of the accidents, with weak brakes malfunctioning at sharp curves or steep slopes. The problem is aggravated by reckless drivers as well as those who take drugs to stay awake for long trips. With the risks identified, measures should be in place to improve road safety during this holiday break for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

Measures should be implemented to improve the safety of all modes of transportation in this country. Maritime transportation is also as risky as traveling by land. Thousands of people have died in the many maritime accidents that have occurred all over the islands, in fair weather or foul. The weakness of maritime transport regulation is dredged up after every accident, with little improvement seen.

Road accidents have also claimed scores of lives. Players in the tourism industry have listed transportation safety as one of the concerns raised by visitors in the Philippines. Improvements must be made not only for the safety of foreign travelers but also for everyone in this country.