THE Department of Health (DOH) has expressed concern over a significant increase in road crash injuries during the 2025 holiday season, reporting an 82 percent jump compared to the same period in 2024.
Citing data collected from 10 sentinel hospitals, the DOH recorded a total of 1,113 road injury cases from December 21, 2025, to January 2, 2026, at 5 a.m.
The DOH highlighted that motorcycles were involved in 787, or 71 percent, of the reported cases.
The DOH also noted that a staggering 965 of the 1,113 cases were attributed to the failure to use essential safety accessories such as seatbelts and helmets, while 135 cases were linked to drunk driving. Tragically, seven deaths were recorded this year, including two pedestrians and five motorcycle riders’ passengers.
In light of these alarming statistics, the DOH has reiterated the importance of adhering to the following safety measures to prevent road accidents:
- Wear Department of Trade and Industry-approved motorcycle helmets and car seat belts.
- Avoid driving while tired or drunk.
- Follow the speed limit and road signs.
- Get seven to eight hours of sleep before driving.
- Avoid using mobile phones while driving.
