SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Jan. 25 (PIA) – As hundreds of vehicular traffic accidents were recorded in the Ilocos Region in 2023, the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO-1)  calls for motorists to always strictly follow traffic rules and check the roadworthiness of vehicles.
 
PRO-1 recorded a total of 1,745 cases of reckless imprudence that resulted in damage to property; 1,454 cases resulting in physical injury; and 393 cases resulting in homicide.
 
Reckless imprudence that resulted in damage to property, physical injuries, and homicide were the top three most committed crimes in the region in the previous year.
 
PLTCOL Benigno Sumawang, chief of the PRO-1 Public Information Office, said that several human factors commonly cause road crashes including over-speeding, sudden stop and turn, counterflowing, tailgating, overtaking, miscalculations, loss of control, and driving under the influence of liquor.
 
“Distracted driving is also one so never text and drive," Sumawang said during the Kapihan sa Ilocos of the Philippine Information Agency-Regional Office 1 recently.
 
Sumawang also noted mechanical errors like faulty brakes and lights as factors in traffic accidents.
 
 "Drivers must always check the serviceability of their vehicles by going over the B.L.O.W.B.A.G.E.T.S. checklist before their trip and to practice safe driving at all times," he said.
 
B.L.O.W.B.A.G.E.T.S. is a mnemonic crafted by the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group which aims to remind motorists to always examine their car's battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, engine, tire, and driver's oneself.
 
"Be mindful of your health condition, and don't try to drive when feeling unwell," Sumawang said.
 
Sumawang reminds drivers as well to be aware of any road obstructions and other environmental factors that they may encounter along the way. (JCR/AMB/CGCC, PIA Region 1)