DOH supports implementation of 30 km/h speed limit
The Department of Health (DOH) has voiced its support for implementing a 30-kilometer per hour (km/h) speed limit in urban areas as a crucial measure to reduce road crashes. The health department has highlighted that vehicular incidents have become the leading cause of death for many young Pinoys.
Health Secretary, Teodoro Herbosa, raised the urgency of the issue during the DOH’s road safety seminar, which was held on the last weekend. Herbosa stated that road crashes are the primary cause of death for Filipinos aged 5 to 29 years old.
“Many countries have implemented this [speed limit]. In Amsterdam, they don’t require helmets but they have speed limiters and motorcycles cannot go faster than 30 kph.” He also cited the reduction in accidents along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City after a speed limit was enforced there, saying that strict enforcement of speed limits actually save lives.
“So we know that having speed limits will actually save lives,” added Herbosa.
2023 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicates that 13,101 fatalities resulted from road crashes. This translates to an average of 32 deaths daily, with five of those victims being children.
The DOH chief noted that road crashes currently rank as the 5th leading cause of death in the Philippines, following cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and pneumonia. Sec. Herbosa expressed concern, projecting that in 10 years time, road crashes could become the number 1 cause of death among Pinoys.
“Maybe in another 10 years, it may be the top.”
Herbosa further added that approximately 70% of road crashes involve motorcycles, which is significant given that a large portion of the population make it as their primary mode of transportation, due to its affordability and the very limited and often expensive public transportation alternatives.
The DOH also called for a review on the implementation of existing road safety laws. The DOH says that despite policies on helmet use, seatbelts, and car seats for children, the country continues to report a high number of road crash-related fatalities, suggesting a gap in enforcement or compliance.
