Gaps in addressing road safety in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

@#<p><strong>BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:</strong> Road traffic injuries were the second leading cause of death due to injury in 2003 in the Philippines. In 2011, the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan (PRSAP) was instituted. Five years into the program, latest data showed that the death rate due to road injuries continue to increase despite the presence of key legislation supporting road safety. This study was aimed at identifying the gaps in addressing road safety in the Philippines.</p><p><strong>METHODOLOGY:</strong> Literature review and key informant interviews of representatives of the different agencies including the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Road Board, Philippine National Police (PNP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Land Transportation Office (LTO) were conducted to identify gaps in the program.</p><p><strong>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:</strong> Key gaps include weak leadership at the national and local level, limited material and human resources for enforcement of laws, and fragmented information system. These gaps should be addressed to improve the road safety situation in the country.</p>