Coffin as Road Sign? If That’s What It Takes for Motorists to Drive Safely, Barangay Says
It doesn’t get more straightforward than that.
Published on Jul 7, 2026
(SPOT.ph) Filipinos can get very creative when telling drivers to slow down. When road signs are no longer enough, we put up “nakakamatay” signs, then “may namatay na rito” signs, just to make the warning extra clear. One barangay in Benguet wanted to drive the point home even further... by displaying a coffin on the roadside.
Motorists passing through a portion of the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road in Barangay Ambuklao, Bokod, Benguet may have noticed a rather hard-to-miss warning: a white coffin placed there as a reminder to drive more carefully. Underneath it is a sign telling motorists they have only one life.
“Paalala: Mr. Driver. Ang mamatay o mabuhay ng dahil sa iyo. Ingatan ang nagiisang buhay, magmaniho ng mahusay.”
Ambuklao Punong Barangay Rey Tello said the coffin is meant to be a serious reminder, not a prank or a Halloween decoration. According to him, several road accidents have been recorded along the highway, particularly in Ambuklao, some of which have resulted in deaths.
The unusual warning sign also appears to be doing several jobs at once. Aside from reminding motorists to be more careful, Tello said he hopes it will also discourage straw cows from wandering on the road, as they may cause accidents. Yes, the coffin has a wide target audience.
Also read: 30 kph Speed Limit in the City? DOH Supports Proposal to Prevent Road Crashes
'Not intended to offend, frighten, and disrespect'
The coffin has also drawn the attention of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Benguet 1st District Engineering Office, which ordered its removal because it is not considered a proper road sign. However, Tello said the barangay would only take it down once permanent safety signs promised for the area are installed.
“This is not intended to offend, frighten, and disrespect anyone. Rather, it is a symbolic reminder of the importance of road safety and the consequences that can result from reckless driving,” Tello said in a Facebook post. “Let this serve as a call for all motorists and commuters to exercise caution, obey traffic rules and value every life on the road.”
Also read: Road Accidents Kill Thousands in the PH Yearly: What Can We Do?
Micah believes that writing is always political. Beyond the byline, you’ll find her bruising herself on a pole or doting on her beagle. Reach her at micah@spot.ph.