Intensified information campaign and aggressive law enforcement were among the efforts the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOCPPO) employed, leading to a 25 percent drop in vehicular accidents in 2024.
From 1,216 in 2023, road mishaps in Negros Occidental dropped to 906 cases last year.
“This can be attributed to the intensified enforcement of traffic laws and ordinances as well as information operation on road safety,” NOCPPO provincial director Police Colonel Rainerio de Chavez said.
For lawyer Cindy Ballesteros, who plies the national highway going to work on a weekly basis, she noted the same observations of having to witness lesser road accidents last year.
“Compared to the past, where I saw road mishaps almost every time I drove long distances going to work, I see lesser accidents but more traffic and police personnel manning the highways, especially on populated sections of the road,” Ballesteros said.
Indicators, such as reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury and reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property, both saw a decline in cases in 2024, from 517 to 366 and 552 to 393, respectively.
NOCPPO public information officer Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, in a press conference, expressed the same position on the significance of their information campaign on anti-drunk driving in avoiding accidents.
“Sang nagligad nga tuig, ang intensification sang aton nga information campaign about sa paglikaw sa pag-drive sang mga salakyan ukon motorsiklo [samtang] may impluwensya sang alcohol. Isa ina sa gina-attribute naton [sa pagnubo sang mga aksidente sa dalanon] ang information campaign nga actually nagatudok sa paminsaron sang aton mga driver,” he said.
Catalogo also highlighted the local police’s increased presence in public spaces as a contributor to this decline.
He stressed the regular deployment of police officers in areas prone to traffic accidents prompts motorists to observe speed limits, adhere to traffic rules, and recheck the road worthiness of their vehicles.
The official then noted that when police officers are deployed in various locations, especially accident-prone areas and major thoroughfares, both vehicular accidents and criminality are warded off.
The NOCPPO is in close coordination with relevant government offices, such as the Highway Patrol Group and the Land Transportation Office, to better secure safer roads for all.
The police also enjoin citizens to be alert and vigilant at all times to avoid accidents and falling victims to lawless elements. (PIA Negros Occidental)