Land accident deaths surge

DEATHS in land transportation accidents hit a 10-year high of 13,125 in 2023, accounting for 1.9% of 694,821 deaths in the country, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Young adults aged 20 to 24 accounted for most of the deaths.

PSA said the land transport-related deaths were 7.2% higher than in 2022 and 49.7% higher than in 2020 at the height of a coronavirus pandemic when there was a decline in land transport-related deaths.

The Department of Transportation has ordered shorter driving hours and regular drug testing for public utility vehicle drivers after a series of road accidents in May. — Ashley Erika O. Jose