In an effort to enhance public safety during the holiday season, the Ilocos Norte police have ramped up their mobile patrols and set up checkpoints across strategic locations. This intensified effort comes in response to ongoing issues with drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol during festive times. Police Major Jephre Taccad, head of the Provincial Operation Management Unit, emphasized the importance of safety, urging the public to enjoy the celebrations responsibly. ‘It’s a time for joy, but we must remain vigilant. Avoid drinking and driving,’ Taccad advised during a recent interview. He highlighted the risks not only to the drivers themselves but also to other road users. According to police records, human error and poor judgment are the leading causes of traffic accidents in the region, with a tragic increase in fatalities this year, rising from 38 to 44 deaths compared to the previous year. The majority of the 179 road incidents reported in 2024 occurred on the Laoag bypass road and various national highways in towns such as Badoc, San Nicolas, Pasuquin, Bacarra, Pinili, Banna, Sarrat, and Currimao. The accidents predominantly involved young adults aged 20 to 30, and some minors, with peak times between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
