BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA

With the increasing number of road mishaps reported in the country, authorities continue to push for stronger road safety advocacy, especially now that the nation observes Road Safety Month.

Just last week, a video of content creator Yanna Motovlog went viral after her altercation with a pickup driver in Zambales.

The confrontation drew various reactions online, ranging from legal debates to public outrage.

Following the incident, local officials in Zambales declared Yanna persona non grata.

She now faces a 90-day suspension of her driver’s license and possible lifetime revocation, according to the Land Transportation Office.

Amid these kinds of incidents, the relevance of Road Safety Month becomes even clearer.

Celebrated every May under Proclamation No. 115-A signed in 1966, the campaign aims to promote safety across all aspects of life, including on the road.

Road Safety Month reminds every driver, passenger, and pedestrian that even a single mistake on the road can lead to tragedy.

The Department of Health reports that more than 12,000 Filipinos die from road accidents each year.

Most of the victims are motorcycle riders and pedestrians.

Common causes include bad overtaking, improper turning, speeding, drunk driving, overloading, and the use of mobile phones while driving.

For Filipinos aged 15 to 29, road accidents remain one of the leading causes of death.

Thousands of vehicles travel the roads every day, and in every second of carelessness, lives are at risk.

Ultimately, Road Safety Month serves as a reminder, that respect on the road is respect for life.