Who’s afraid of Manila traffic? Everyone, apparently. Beyond the infamous “carmageddon” that locks Metro Manila roads at a standstill for hours, there are other dangers lurking in the city’s streets. While the horrendous delays are infamous, Metro Manila roads are also magnets for safety hazards. Narrow roads, endless potholes, and construction projects that block lanes are just the beginning.
With the holiday rush in full swing, the usual chaos becomes even worse. Shoppers, partygoers, and delivery riders all contribute to a hectic scene. We break these down so our readers can stay extra vigilant and proactive, both as drivers and passengers. Remembering the roads that gave you trouble before—and the risks that come with them—can help you plan better and avoid trouble this season.
Top Holiday Traffic Hazards
With the surge in vehicles, delivery riders, and festive events, the risk of road mishaps increases significantly. Here are the top traffic hazards to watch out for during the holidays and how you can navigate them safely:
1. Road Congestion
Plain and simple: too many vehicles on the roads. Metro Manila’s traffic is bad year-round, but the holiday season takes it to another level. MMDA reports a 20% increase in vehicles during December. Major roads like EDSA, C5, and Commonwealth Avenue become battlegrounds for all types of vehicles—cars, motorcycles, buses, and trucks—all scrambling for space. Narrow streets in commercial areas like Divisoria or Greenhills are often clogged as shoppers hunt for bargains. The result? Stressful bumper-to-bumper traffic and a higher chance of accidents.
2. Motorcycle Accidents
These deserve special mention for their rising frequency. Motorcycles are now a common sight on Metro Manila roads, especially during the holidays. MMDA records show that motorcycle-related accidents make up nearly 50% of road mishaps in Metro Manila. Delivery riders rushing to meet tight schedules often weave between vehicles, putting themselves and others at risk. These accidents can be fatal, especially when motorcycles collide with larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs.
3. Dangerous Structures and Road Fixtures
Accidents involving concrete barriers, steel railings, and other road fixtures have become more frequent. Chain collisions are common, where one vehicle hits a barrier and is rear-ended by others. A recent example is the series of crashes on EDSA due to misplaced barriers, which led to injuries and heavy traffic delays.
4. Vehicle-to-Person Accidents
Drivers looking for shortcuts often navigate through side streets, especially in residential areas. However, many of these streets are packed with people, from informal settlers to holiday revelers holding street parties. This increases the risk of vehicle-to-person accidents, which can cause serious harm to pedestrians and stress for drivers.
5. Trucks and Delivery Vehicles
The holiday season means more deliveries, which means more trucks on the road. Unfortunately, overloaded or poorly maintained trucks can lead to accidents. A recent MMDA report highlighted the rise in crashes involving delivery trucks, especially on highways like C5 and EDSA.
Minimizing Road Accident Risks
Staying safe on Metro Manila’s roads, especially during the holiday season, could be as simple as taking the following precautions:
- Plan Your Trips Strategically: Schedule errands wisely. Consider proximity, timing (avoid rush hours), and priorities.
- Stay Informed: Monitor news, traffic apps, and social media for updates on road conditions.
- Use Navigation Apps with Caution: While useful, navigation apps can cause confusion if everyone follows them in real-time. Review your route beforehand to avoid unnecessary surprises.
- Perform Regular Vehicle Checks: Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy by checking the engine, lights, and other essentials before every trip. Avoid becoming a road hazard yourself.
- Limit Non-Essential Trips: Postpone unnecessary errands until after the holiday rush or when the weather is better. This simple tip significantly reduces your accident risk.
- Be Prepared for the Unexpected: Accidents can still happen despite precautions. Having a safety net, like accident insurance and motor vehicle insurance, can provide additional peace of mind and financial protection.
Drive and Commute Safe This Holiday Season
Following the above tips cannot guarantee complete safety on the road, which is why having additional safety nets is essential. Vehicle insurance and accident insurance are valuable tools for those who spend significant time on the road, especially during the busy holiday season. For added peace of mind, consult Reliable Insurance Brokers to explore coverage options that suit your needs.
Drive safely, stay alert, and make the most of this festive season with confidence and preparation!
Contact Information for Inquiries and Support
If you have any questions or need assistance with your accident insurance or motor vehicle insurance insurance, feel free to reach out to us:
- Call: +63 2 8631 9285 to 86
- Mobile: +63 917 138 5120
- Email: info@reliable-insurance.ph
- Messenger: m.me/reliable.insurancebrokersph
Sources:
- ABS-CBN News (2023). Metro Manila tops list of metro areas with worst traffic---study
- GMA Network (2023). Protected bike lanes can do more than just ease Metro Manila's worsening traffic congestion
- Philstar.com (June 2024). MMDA: 10 holiday mishaps
- Image source: Patrick Roque on Wikimedia commons Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
