by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has deployed road safety marshals along major thoroughfares to maximize police visibility during the exodus of travelers this coming Holy Week.
PNP-HPG spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ritchie Claraval, said personnel will also be deployed in place of convergence and tourist spots.
“There will be a 100-percent deployment of personnel, both in the administration office and in mobile patrols outside. Together with PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) we also conduct mandatory drug tests on drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) nationwide to ensure the safety of travelers,” Claraval told reporters in a press briefing Thursday.
He said HPG troops will also be deployed in terminals and streets to distribute flyers on safe travel for motorists.
HPG records showed a decline in the number of road accidents during the summer months of 2018.
A total of 2,705 road accidents were recorded from April to June 2018, lower than the 8,279 accidents in the same period in 2017.
Human and mechanical error are the most common cause of accidents.
“Usually, it’s human error. Overspeeding and careless motorcycle riders. Again we remind drivers that using mobile phones while driving is prohibited,” he said.
The HPG spokesperson also reminded vacationers to make sure their vehicles are in good running condition, including its brakes, lights, oil, water, battery, air, gas, engine and tires to avoid accidents.
