HPG records 4,000 motorcycle crashes since January

[Mike J]

The source for the article says the primary problem is the roads.  I call his opinion BS.  Bad roads do not make bad drivers ignore road rules, split lanes, cross into oncoming traffic, pull out into a roadway without checking for oncoming traffic, five to a motor, etc.   Improved roads are may decrease accidents, but is not going to correct these kinds of behaviour in my opinion. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/05/08/2264565/hpg-records-4000-motorcycle-crashes-january 

MANILA, Philippines — A transport group advocate has blamed faulty design and outdated policies for road accidents that resulted in at least 4,000 motorcycle crashes in the first four months of 2023, as reported by the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG).

In a radio interview on Sunday, AltMobility PH director Ira Cruz underscored the need to focus on design and policies to ensure the safety of roads for both commuters and motorists.

“If we are discussing motorcycles, do they have their own lanes in the roads, including the separate lanes for cyclists? While the HPG is partly correct, the government should focus on the correct design and policies to guarantee the safety of the roads,” Cruz said.

Based on PNP-HPG data, a total of 4,029 motorcycle crashes were reported from January to April this year compared to 8,342 incidents in the entire 2022.

“As a transport advocate and planner, we are alarmed that the roads are not safe for the motorists. The number of crashes did not include the number of cyclists, pedestrians affected by the road crashes,” Cruz maintained.

According to Cruz, the plan of PNP-HPG to initiate seminars for riders is not enough to address the increase in the number of road crashes.

“This is not only an issue of discipline and care. Among the causes of crashes are the road designs and whether the policies are still updated,” Cruz said.

Cruz maintained that riders are forced to shift to other lanes due to road defects and obstruction.

“The roads are not designed for the needs of the travelers, for instance, if you need to make a left turn, you need to leave the lane,” he noted.

According to Cruz, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should not only focus on the needs of private vehicles.

“The DPWH should determine if the road safety standards are still enough. The responsibility of the government is not only with the private vehicles. It should consider the welfare of all those using the roads. The motorcycles and bicycles have no protection unlike the cars where passengers are inside a metal box,” he maintained.

He also welcomed the recent visit of the United Nations special envoy for road safety where the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan was discussed.

“We welcome this move to make sure our roads are safe,” he said

 

[Old55]

34 minutes ago, Mike J said:

In a radio interview on Sunday, AltMobility PH director Ira Cruz underscored the need to focus on design and policies to ensure the safety of roads for both commuters and motorists.

He also welcomed the recent visit of the United Nations special envoy for road safety where the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan was discussed.

“We welcome this move to make sure our roads are safe,” he said

Director Cruz fishing for United Nations $$$$$$? 

[scott h]

47 minutes ago, Mike J said:

The source for the article says the primary problem is the roads.

 

[RobH]

Anyone who rides a bike here has a death wish, I rode bikes in the UK for 50 years with no accidents. Grandson riding scooter , crashed  no helmet, insurance, registration, or licence, under age. I gave him a mega bollocking. he's still riding, but he has bough a helmet. I give up.

 

[Ram1957]

2 hours ago, Mike J said:

Based on PNP-HPG data, a total of 4,029 motorcycle crashes were reported from January to April this year compared to 8,342 incidents in the entire 2022.

Bet those numbers are low. Not every crash is reported to the PNP-HPG. Stupidity is the main cause, not the roads.

[Possum]

Roads? Whoever wrote that must be a road construction spokesman. Motorcycle riders here are for the most part oblivious to driving rules and why shouldn't they be? Rules are not enforced. My wife and I were discussing the HPG the other day. She said that in Quezon Province she has seen the HPG 5 times in the last several years and most of those times they were escorting some politician. The police here don't get involved in traffic matters until there is an accident. You can sit in front of the police station in the provincial capital and watch motorcycles with no tags, helmets and multiple passengers pass by all day long.

[Old55]

Scooter or especially trikes will slowly cut into your lane from the curb or side road without even attempting to look first. Boggles the mind that stupid could be that strong.

[CebuAndy]

I rode bikes in the Philippines 2014-2019.

1. Most riders don't have a license. That's what many told me. I must have been talking with 1000+ during these years.

Ever noticed the long line of parked bikes with rider waiting, just before a checkpoint? No DL is mostly the reason. Second no registration. Police see all these bikes waiting, the Big Question is why police don't approach all these motorcycles who clearly wait for the checkpoint to move?

2. Roads have dangerous pot holes everywhere. Maybe car drivers don't notice it as much, as we who driving a motorcycle. This is the reason for many solo accidents.

3. Road construction poorly maintained (to put it lightly), and many bumps in the road that are extremely dangerous for bike riders.

4. Lane splitting due to slow moving traffic, most of the day.

More roads with more lanes needed everywhere. Then traffic could move at 50km/h+ and lane splitting would be less.

I'm used to Thailands insane traffic, high speed, street racing, and 2'nd most road deaths in the World - motorcycle drivers in the Philippines are very restrained and calm in comparison. DUI is another problem though.

More proactive police to check for valid DL. Speeding cameras who send Citation fine in the mail.

Require 20 hours driving in traffic with a teacher, before DL will be issued.

Can't  see much of this changing.

[Jollygoodfellow]

On 5/8/2023 at 10:12 AM, Greglm said:

The police here don't get involved in traffic matters until there is an accident

This is why