The Department of Health (DOH) issued a stark reminder on road safety this Friday, December 26, 2025, after its latest monitoring revealed hundreds of road crash incidents during the peak holiday travel period.
Holiday Road Crash Statistics: A Slight Decline
In a report covering the period from December 21 to 5 a.m. on December 26, the DOH recorded 263 road crash cases across ten sentinel hospitals nationwide. While this figure represents a 7 percent decrease compared to the same monitoring period in 2024, the number remains alarmingly high.
Health authorities noted that despite the overall drop, risky behaviors among drivers and riders persist, contributing to the continuous stream of emergency room admissions.
Motorcycles and Safety Lapses Dominate Incidents
A deep dive into the data highlights a critical trend: the overwhelming majority of crashes involved motorcycles. Specifically, 193 of the 263 total cases were motorcycle-related collisions.
An even more concerning statistic is the widespread non-use of safety gear. The DOH report stated that 224 individuals involved in these crashes were not using proper safety accessories, such as helmets for riders or seatbelts for vehicle occupants, at the time of the incident.
Furthermore, at least 31 cases were linked to alcohol use, underscoring the dangers of driving under the influence. Tragically, the report confirmed that two of the recorded fatalities were motorcycle riders.
Authorities' Urgent Call for Road Safety
With travel activities expected to remain heavy throughout the holiday season, health and transport officials are amplifying their calls for public vigilance. The DOH reiterated fundamental road safety practices that can save lives.
The agency emphasized the non-negotiable importance of wearing DTI-approved helmets for motorcycle riders and using seatbelts for those in four-wheeled vehicles. Adherence to designated speed limits and obedience to road signs were also stressed as crucial preventive measures.
Motorists were strongly urged to avoid driving while tired or intoxicated. The DOH advised ensuring adequate rest before embarking on trips, positioning road safety as a personal responsibility for every traveler.
The report serves as a sobering backdrop to individual incidents, such as a road accident involving a motorcycle along EDSA that occurred earlier on February 22, 2022, illustrating the ongoing and pervasive nature of the road safety challenge in the Philippines.
