The Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to take extra precautions during the upcoming holiday season after reporting a noticeable rise in road crash injuries. Health officials say emergency rooms are already seeing more patients involved in traffic accidents, and they expect this trend to climb as families travel for celebrations and long breaks.
According to the DOH, factors contributing to the surge include fatigue, speeding, drunk driving, and overcrowded roads — all typical during peak travel periods. Hospitals and health centers are being reminded to prepare their staff and resources to handle more trauma cases, from fractures to head injuries.
The DOH also emphasized preventive measures: wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits, avoiding alcohol before driving, and ensuring vehicles are roadworthy before long trips. By adopting safety practices now, drivers and passengers can help reduce crashes and lighten the burden on health facilities during the busiest time of year.
- Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of emergency admissions during holidays, often preventable with safer driving habits.
- Increased accidents also strain medical facilities already coping with seasonal health issues.
- Public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic rules can make a significant difference in saving lives and reducing injuries.