• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Vehicular accidents in Negros Occidental dropped by 25 percent in 2024 compared to the figures in 2023, according to a report of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO).
From 1,216 accidents in 2023, road mishaps decreased to 906 incidents last year.
On the contrary, vehicular accidents in the highly urbanized Bacolod City increased by 24.4 percent, rising from 287 incidents in 2023 to 357 last year.
The 2024 data included 22 cases of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, 95 cases involving physical injury, and 240 cases involving damage to property.
The Bacolod City Police Office attributed most accidents to human error such as lack of foresight or driving under the influence of alcohol.
Col. Rainerio De Chavez, police provincial director of Negros Occidental, attributed the reduced number of vehicular accidents in the province to the intensified information campaign and aggressive law enforcement operations.
PCapt. Judesses Catalogo, NOCPPO public information officer, also underscored the significance of the information campaign on anti-drunk driving in avoiding road accidents. | GB
