Data from the Highway Patrol Group showed 59 road crashes were recorded as a result of drunk driving in November, a figure that is an increase of 90.32 percent compared to the 31 incidents registered in October and even higher by 210.52 percent compared to the 19 recorded in September.
To prevent even more road crashes, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin said they would assist the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Land Transportation Office in implementing the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.
“The PNP is maximizing efforts to further reduce Public Safety indicators of total crime incidents by initiating measures to lower vehicular accidents that may result in homicide, physical injury and damage to property,” Azurin said in a statement.
With parties being held in the holiday season, PNP chief publicist Col. Redrico Maranan urged motorists not to drive if they are intoxicated, for their own safety. If they could not avoid getting drunk during parties, he advised motorists to have companions who can also drive.
Although the rising number of road crashes caused by drunk driving as the holidays approach is unfortunately expected in almost any country, there still no excuse for the authorities to let it be. The combined forces and determination of the PNP, LTO and LGUs will be necessary if such incidents are going to be reduced as the parties and gatherings increase throughout the remaining holidays, for this year and beyond.
The Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act is already law. All we need now is consistent enforcement, not only during the holidays, but all year round and all across the land. It is time we reversed the ugly trend that many of us have been resigned to accept whenever the holidays roll around.*
