In numbers: Rising road crash toll

MANILA — With millions of Filipinos expected to head home to their provinces this Undas weekend, the Philippine National Police on Thursday urged motorists to prioritize road safety. 

The PNP listed the following figures associated with road accidents. 

• 118,658 road crash incidents recorded nationwide from January to October 15, 2026 
• 3,816 fatalities 
• 27,004 incidents of overspeeding, the leading reported cause of road crashes 
• 57,700 road crash incidents involving motorcycles 
• 761 PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) personnel and 586 force multipliers who will help manage traffic and safeguard motorists along major thoroughfares, expressways and transport terminals from Thursday through Saturday

HPG acting director PBGen. Joyce Patrick Sangalang said these figures underscore the need for caution during the Undas travel rush. 

“Sa mga holidays kasi, doon maraming mga mananakay at saka mga travelers. So, the possibility of having this increase in vehicular accident is during kung saan at kailan maraming gumagamit ng ating mga motor at sasakyan,” he said. 

Sangalang said the HPG was preparing to roll out Project Kaagapay, a nationwide initiative that would work with local government units to conduct basic motorcycle riding and road safety seminars, in a bid to reduce road crashes and fatalities.

“Hindi marunong magmaneho ang naging sanhi ng aksidente natin. Minors are not allowed to drive. Student drivers are not allowed to drive, provided meron silang kasamang professional drivers. So ito ang mga paraan para mabawasan natin,” he said. 

The PNP also plans to examine the data to determine how many fatalities involved minors and unlicensed drivers.

Sangalang reminded motorists to wear helmets properly and obey traffic rules. 

He also called on parents not to allow their children to drive without the proper qualifications.

“‘Yung helmet talaga was designed to protect the riders from severe injury or against this during a motorcycle crash. Maraming naaksidente, ang helmet nasa siko, namatay. Buo ang siko, basag ang ulo kasi nasa siko ‘yung helmet niya. So we need to address that,” Sangalang said. 

“Ang mga bata hindi pwedeng iangkas sa harap ng motorsiklo. Violation ka agad ‘yan. Kaya natiketan ka, huwag tayong umangal,” he warned. 

The HPG is coordinating with other government agencies to provide additional tow trucks in case of vehicle breakdowns, particularly on expressways where stalled vehicles can cause traffic congestion.

The HPG warned travelers to remain vigilant against theft, bag slashing, vehicle break-ins, motorcycle theft and carnapping during the holiday period.

“The bottom line of crime is pera so ‘pag maraming tao, maraming mananakay, at maraming dala, merong pera, marami ang kriminal. Pero ang inyong kapulisan ay nakahanda nationwide para sa mga threats na ito,” Sangalang said. 

Motorists are urged to check their vehicles before traveling, avoid speeding and dangerous overtaking, and ensure that all passengers follow road safety rules.