The Department of Health (DOH) reported a significant and alarming increase in road crash injuries during the recent holiday season, underscoring a critical public safety concern.
Sharp Rise in Holiday Road Injuries
From December 21, 2025, until 5 a.m. on January 2, 2026, the DOH recorded 1,113 road crash-related injury cases across its network of 68 sentinel hospitals. This figure represents a staggering 82 percent increase compared to the same monitoring period in the previous year, 2024.
The agency noted that the surge began immediately, with 68 cases logged on December 21 alone. Tragically, seven fatalities were documented within this total, with five of the victims identified as motorcycle riders.
Motorcycles and Safety Lapses Predominate
A breakdown of the data reveals troubling patterns. The vast majority of the incidents, 787 cases, involved motorcycles. Furthermore, 135 cases were linked to alcohol use, indicating impaired driving remained a key factor.
Perhaps the most consistent risk factor was the non-use of safety gear. The DOH found that a overwhelming 965 patients were not using critical safety accessories such as helmets or seatbelts at the time of their accidents.
DOH Reiterates Call for "BiyaHealthy" Habits
In response to the distressing statistics, the health department strongly reiterated its road safety advocacy through the "BiyaHealthy" campaign. The DOH reminded all motorists to:
- Wear DTI-approved helmets and use seatbelts.
- Strictly comply with road signs and speed limits.
- Avoid driving while fatigued or intoxicated.
- Ensure seven to eight hours of sleep before long trips.
- Refrain from using mobile phones while driving.
The advisory comes in the wake of a separate, tragic accident that highlights the severe consequences of road crashes. On December 5, 2023, a Ceres bus operated by Vallacar Transit, Inc. fell off a cliff in Barangay Igbucagay, Hamtic, Antique, requiring a major retrieval operation by emergency responders.
As holiday travels continue, the DOH advised the public to remain vigilant and to seek immediate medical assistance for any emergencies through the national hotline 1555.
