Baguio City’s police force is emphasizing the critical need for vehicle safety checks following a series of accidents, totaling 109 incidents since the start of the year. A recent collision between a taxi and a public utility jeepney in Barangay Bakakeng resulted in injuries to at least 22 individuals, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Col. Ruel Tagel, the city’s police director, stressed the importance of the ‘BLOW BAGETS’ checklist, which stands for Brakes, Light, Oil, Water, Battery, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, and Self, as a pre-travel routine to ensure safety. He pointed out that the city’s challenging terrain, with its slopes, ascents, and curves, demands extra vigilance from both drivers and their vehicles.
Maj. Marcy Grace Maron, the information officer for the Baguio City Police Office, encouraged motorists to stay informed about traffic advisories through their official Facebook page and to adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations.
Additionally, Joshua Pablito, the Department of Transportation’s Cordillera director, reinforced the importance of the Land Transportation Office’s policies. These include mandatory Theoretical and Practical Driving Courses for new license applicants and those renewing their permits, especially for drivers with multiple violations, to ensure they are well-versed in road safety and regulations.