BAGUIO CITY – Amid a notable surge in vehicular accidents, city officials are once again urging drivers of motorcycles, private, and public vehicles to strictly observe road courtesy and traffic regulations to ensure public safety.
From January 1 to April 30, 2025, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) recorded a 24.90% increase in vehicular traffic incidents (VTIs), with cases rising from 253 in 2024 to 316 in the same period this year.
The majority of these incidents involved reckless imprudence resulting in property damage, which rose from 201 to 262 cases.
Reckless imprudence resulting in homicide also increased from 3 to 5 cases, while physical injury-related incidents remained steady at 49.
Four-wheeled vehicles accounted for the bulk of VTIs, increasing by 30.16% from 189 to 246.
Motorcycle-related accidents also rose slightly, from 64 to 70, a 9.38% increase.
In response, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong has directed the BCPO and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) to coordinate and devise comprehensive measures to address the alarming rise in traffic-related incidents.
The mayor also ordered the mapping of accident-prone roads to inform interventions aligned with the city’s Smart Mobility initiative.
Baguio’s traffic woes are exacerbated by infrastructure originally designed for a population of 25,000.
With the current population now exceeding 400,000 and over 57,000 registered vehicles on the road, congestion and road safety challenges have intensified.
Main thoroughfares like Session Road, Magsaysay Avenue, Harrison Road, and Abanao Street now experience regular traffic jams and safety concerns.
Engr. Charles Bryan Carame, CDRRMO Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer IV, noted that coordination with the Department of Transportation and the Highway Patrol Group is ongoing to implement necessary actions and safety programs.
Authorities are also reiterating compliance with City Ordinance No. 18, series of 2019, which enforces speed limits and mandates the deployment of traffic personnel during peak hours, installation of speed bumps, and promotion of alternative modes of transportation such as public transit, cycling, and walking.
Meanwhile, City Ordinance No. 07, series of 2010, also known as the “King of the Road” measure, remains in full effect.
The ordinance mandates that all vehicles must come to a full stop for five seconds at pedestrian lanes unless traffic is being directed by authorized personnel.
Blocking pedestrian lanes during stops or slowdowns is strictly prohibited.
Key issues contributing to the spike in accidents include the disregard of traffic signs, disobedience to traffic personnel, unfamiliarity with local road terrain by visitors, uncoordinated infrastructure work, and instances of driving under the influence of alcohol.
To support enforcement, the public is encouraged to report violations by calling emergency hotline 911 or sending photos of violators to the “Baguio In My Pocket” application.
City officials emphasize that improving traffic safety requires not only enforcement but also discipline and cooperation from all road users.
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