BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) reminded motorists anew on the basics of road safety after a 23.53 percent increase in road accidents here in 2024.
BCPO data showed 357 incidents were reported last year, higher by 68 from the 289 incidents logged in 2023.
Police Major Junji Liba, chief of the BCPO’s Investigation and Detective Management Unit, said the lack of drivers’ education, which results in lack of discipline among motorists, is a major factor that causes vehicle collision.
Drivers know about the “blowbagets” but about 90 percent do not comply with it, the former chief of the Traffic Enforcement Unit said over the BCPO radio program “Kadampig Mo” on Tuesday, January 7.
“Blowbagets”, the acronym for battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, engine, tire and self, is a checklist that all drivers must follow to ensure that they are in good condition to drive and that their vehicles are safe for the road.
“There are more vehicles in Bacolod now. It is crowded when it comes to the number of vehicles. There are more than 100,000 registered vehicles, add to that the still unregistered (ones),” Liba said.
Although Bacolod has several traffic ordinances, Liba cited the need to amend some of the penalty clauses, noting that the penalties are not punitive enough to instill driver discipline.
He said the local government unit is not authorized to confiscate a driver’s license since only the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is allowed to do it, which is also a reason why drivers do not adhere to traffic rules.
He also underscored the importance of installing signages and road markings to guide drivers in ensuring road safety. (PNA)
