Half of Filipino Drivers Don’t Wear Seatbelts, According to the UN
This wasn't always the case.
On April 11 to 14, the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt paid a visit to the Philippines to discuss policies on how to improve road safety in the country. Ultimately, the goal is to halve the number of victims involving road incidents by 2030.
According to the United Nations (UN), there are a few key challenges that the Philippines is facing—one of which is the failure of drivers to wear seatbelts. The UN shared that only 52% of drivers in the country wear seatbelts. Considering how simple wearing a seatbelt is, that's definitely an alarming number.
What's baffling here is that in 2013, this figure was at a decent 79.7%. What's with the 28% drop over the past decade? Did people just decide to stop using their seatbelts altogether or do all new drivers hate buckling up? Whatever it is, the figure shows how much work needs to be done with regard to driver education here in the country.
Also read: EDSA Takes Top Spot for the Most Road Accidents in 2019
The push for road safety
The UN also pointed out how 40% of fatalities from road crashes in South Asia involve motorized two- and three-wheelers. In the Philippines, the Department of Health reports that 65% of crash victims are motorcycle riders. By providing safe and affordable helmets, the UN believes we could see a drastic drop in motorcycle-related deaths and injuries.
There are already some initiatives in place here in the country aimed at improving road safety. This includes the National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028 and the Department of Transportation's Active Transport Program.
According to the UN, there are many solutions to these safety issues, some of which includes the building of an ecosystem of safe vehicles, safe roads, strong laws, and effective post-crash care. The UN also mentioned the prioritization of road safety on the political agenda could have a "transformative impact."
Ultimately, it should be a joint effort between the civil society, local authority, and private sector to all play their parts in improving road safety in the country.
Also read: The Dangers of Removing Your Airplane Seat Belt While the Sign Is Still On