Causes of Vehicular Accidents in the Province of Ilocos Sur as Perceived by Police Officers

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess and determine the causes of vehicular accidents in the province of Ilocos Sur. The investigation was conducted through the joint efforts ofthe UNP Research Office and the Institute of Criminology in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) through the police officers of the stations/ substations of municipalities/ cities along the national highway of Ilocos Sur. Solutions were cited by the PNP police officers. But these PNPpolice officers could not do it alone for they needed the assistance of other government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and the people 's organizations (now known as civil societies). The PNP police officers were the respondents ofthis study. A questionnaire supplemented with informal
interview with the respondents was used in gathering the data. Frequencies, percentages, and means were used in the analysis of data. Most of the police officer-respondents were 31-40 years old. Almost all of them were male. Majority of them were married Most of them were either police officers or senior police officers. The respondents cited the top three causes of vehicular accidents in the following order: (l) overspeeding; (2) driver under the influence of liquor/drugs; and (3) unfamiliarity with the road. The top three solutions/measures which were done by these PNP police officers are: (I) place road/traffic signs, markings, signals, and permanent markings by DPWH; (2) strictly enforce LTO policies on driving like the apprehension of drivers who are driving without license; and (3) monitor traffic violators along the national highway. The researchers considered these as traditional measures to avoid vehicular accidents. Therefore it's not surprising that measures done in partnership with the energized bureaucracy and the empowered civil society are lesser enforced.