THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday said the rising death rate due to road crashes is unacceptable, especially with many of the victims being children and young adults.
In his speech during the 2025 Philippine Road Safety Summit, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the 12,241 deaths due to road crashes in 2022 alone are simply not acceptable.
“This is a death rate of 11 per 100,000. This is moving us farther from the target of 4 per 100,000. The regression is unacceptable,” Herbosa said.
“This statistic represents lives lost, families broken, and futures cut short,” he also said.
“What is particularly alarming is the impact of road crashes on children. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of deaths among children and young adults aged 5 to 29 years old,” he added.
Herbosa said this is the reason why the DOH has included road safety among its priority agenda under the current administration.
Herbosa said among their programs is one that targets the enhancement of health promotion to instill the culture of safety on the road.
He said they also want to fully equip local government units with the capacity to respond to road crashes.
Herbosa said they will also continue to strengthen health care facilities for the provision of trauma care services.
“Road safety is not just a public health issue. It is essential for sustainable development of the country. Safe roads allow our children to go to school, access healthcare without fear, reduce hospital burden, and build stronger communities,” he said.
“Let this moment be a renewed commitment of safeguarding our streets for our children and the future generation,” he said.
