THE SPATE of accidents along Iloilo Sunset Boulevard raises a very important question: Are Iloilo’s roads truly designed for safety?
While road expansion is essential for economic growth and urban development, safety considerations should not be sidelined. The crashes involving motorcycles and private vehicles since the boulevard’s opening in January suggests that something is fundamentally wrong with how new roads are planned, designed, and managed.
One issue is the apparent lack of proactive safety measures. The absence of traffic lights at intersections, poor street lighting, and insufficient signage have all contributed to accidents. It should not take multiple crashes — or worse, the loss of a life or lives — before authorities act. Proper urban planning dictates that roads must be designed with clear foresight, ensuring that motorists and pedestrians alike can travel safely from day one.
Traffic volume and road usage must also be considered. Did planners anticipate how different types of vehicles would interact on the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard? Were the risks of high-speed driving, blind spots, and pedestrian crossings factored in? A well-designed road should include adequate space for maneuvering, designated pedestrian lanes, and strategically placed traffic controls to prevent congestion and reduce the likelihood of collisions.
The local government’s swift response, including plans to install traffic lights, floodlights, and lay-bys, is commendable but reactionary. Road safety should not be an afterthought. It must be integrated into every infrastructure project from the planning stage. The Department of Public Works and Highways and the city’s Traffic and Transportation Management Office must work closely to ensure that every newly opened road meets stringent safety standards before it is accessible to the public.
Iloilo City prides itself on its well-planned streets and infrastructure, but recent events suggest a need for stricter oversight. Road safety audits should be mandatory before opening new roads, and long-term traffic management plans should be in place. Only then can Iloilo truly claim to be a city that builds not just roads — but roads that are safe for all.
