Bacolod City is witnessing a concerning rise in vehicular accidents, prompting the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to issue a stern reminder to motorists about road safety. In 2024, the city saw a significant 23.53% increase in accidents, with a total of 357 incidents reported, up from 289 the previous year. This surge has been attributed to a lack of driver education and discipline, according to Maj. Junji Liba of the City Investigation and Detective Management Unit.
Liba highlighted the widespread disregard for the ‘blowbagets’ checklist, a crucial safety protocol that stands for battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, engine, tire, and self. Despite its importance, compliance remains low, with about 90% of drivers failing to adhere to it. This checklist is essential for ensuring both the driver’s readiness and the vehicle’s roadworthiness.
The increase in accidents is also linked to the growing number of vehicles in Bacolod, which now exceeds 100,000 registered vehicles, not including those yet to be registered. This congestion exacerbates the risk of collisions.
In response to the rising accidents, Liba suggested revising some traffic ordinances, particularly the penalty clauses, which he believes are not stringent enough to enforce driver discipline. He also pointed out the limitations of local authorities in enforcing traffic laws, as only the Land Transportation Office (LTO) can confiscate driver’s licenses, which may contribute to non-compliance with traffic rules.
To improve road safety, Liba emphasized the need for better road signages and markings to guide drivers more effectively. The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office continues to play a crucial role in responding to accidents, as seen in their assistance to a motorcycle driver involved in a crash in Barangay Vista Alegre in September 2024.