Davao Occidental recorded the lowest number of road crash-related deaths in the Davao Region in 2024, with 19 fatalities, according to newly released data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). However, the figures also reveal a concerning upward trend in traffic fatalities across the region, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.
Davao Occidental posts lowest fatalities
Based on PSA Davao Region statistics, Davao Occidental's 19 road crash deaths in 2024 were the fewest among the region's provinces and highly urbanized cities. The province maintained relatively low fatality figures throughout the five-year period covered by the report, but road crashes remained a significant public safety concern across the region.
Davao del Norte leads in deaths
In stark contrast, Davao del Norte recorded the highest number of road crash deaths, with 425 fatalities in 2024. This represents a substantial increase from 301 deaths in 2020, making it the deadliest area in the region for road crash incidents during the period. The City of Davao ranked second with 241 fatalities in 2024, while Davao del Sur recorded 149 deaths. Davao de Oro reported 96 fatalities, and Davao Oriental logged 94 deaths.
Upward trend across the region
The PSA data showed that road crash-related deaths generally trended upward across the region between 2020 and 2024, despite occasional declines in some provinces. Davao del Norte experienced the most significant increase, climbing steadily from 301 deaths in 2020 to 425 in 2024. Davao del Sur also posted a continuous rise from 90 fatalities in 2020 to 149 in 2024. Meanwhile, Davao City's figures increased from 237 deaths in 2020 to a peak of 274 in 2022 before declining to 241 in 2024. Davao de Oro likewise reached a high of 169 fatalities in 2022 but later dropped to 96 by 2024.
Men account for majority of deaths
The report further revealed that men consistently accounted for the majority of road crash fatalities in the region. Male deaths rose from 690 in 2020 to 847 in 2024, while female fatalities increased from 113 to 177 during the same period. The widening number of fatalities reflects the continuing risks faced by motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users despite ongoing traffic management efforts.
Calls for stronger interventions
National road safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved road infrastructure, safer vehicle operations, and intensified public awareness campaigns to curb traffic-related deaths. According to the latest PSA figures, there is a need for local governments, transport regulators, and law enforcement agencies to strengthen road safety measures as fatalities continue to claim hundreds of lives across the Davao Region each year.
