Top Causes of Road Accidents in the Philippines
Top 10 Causes Of Road Accidents In The Philippines
(Click on any section above to see the corresponding penalties and preventive measures)
Road accidents are growing at alarming levels in the Philippines. In the last 4 weeks alone, these made the headlines:
- May 4, NAIA – when an SUV plowed onto the entrance of NAIA Terminal 1, leaving 2 fatalities.
- May 1, in SCTex Tarlac, where 10 perished and 37 injured, due to the bus driver allegedly falling asleep.
- April 23, in Fortune Marikina, where there were 3 fatalities and 10 injured when a 40-footer trailer was going up the steep part of the road. Unfortunately, it appeared like it was not able to handle it, went in reverse, overturned and collided and damaged the vehicles behind it.
- April 15, in Carranglan Nueva Ecija, where a retired army officer perished when the southbound trailer truck—allegedly driven by a driver under the influence of alcohol—collided with the northbound SUV while the trailer truck was attempting to overtake.
These were just among the latest reports. According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine statistics report 32 road crash fatalities a day, while during the last holiday season, from Dec 22 to Jan 6 recorded a total of 703 accidents, with 8 fatalities, 30.6% higher than in same period last year. 71% involved were motorcycles.
This is a huge number, and the majority of these accidents occur due to human error and poor road conditions.
This blog post explains the top causes of traffic incidents across the country. It covers everything from distracted driving and drunk driving to bad roads and jaywalking. You will learn clear ways to keep yourself safe while traveling on Philippine roads.
Stay with us for real tips that could save your life.
Key Takeaways
- Between January and July 2023, Metro Manila had more than 44,000 vehicle crashes; 168 of them resulted in fatalities. The majority of accidents were a result of human mistakes and road conditions (World Health Organization, Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023–2028).
- The most common causes of road accidents are distracted driving (such as the use of mobile phones or eating), driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, reckless driving (unsafe overtaking or ignoring traffic rules), and drowsiness.
- Poor road conditions like potholes and absent signs also cause numerous accidents. These issues are difficult for drivers and are even more dangerous during heavy rains.
- Mechanical breakdowns like brake failure or tire blowouts result in severe crashes. Regular checks on your car can prevent these issues.
- Jaywalking and inclement weather also pose risks. Heeding simple safety measures—using crosswalks, following speed limits, being vigilant—can save lives on Philippine roads.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, such as the use of gadgets, is illegal as per REPUBLIC ACT 10913 or the ANTI-DISTRACTED DRIVING ACT. It carries a fine of PHP 5,000 for the first offense, PHP 10,000 for the second offense, and PHP15,000 for the third offense plus a three-month suspension of license (for being stubborn!).
Use of gadgets while driving
Distracted driving is not limited to using mobile communication devices. It also includes using computing gadgets, watching videos, whether in public or private vehicles, and whether in motion or relaxed mode in traffic. Also, putting your phone on the steering wheel or dashboard is not allowed.
Using earphones is technically only allowed when taking calls, but not to listen to music. Using earphones to listen to music is deemed a driving violation.
The only exception in using earphones is when taking or receiving emergency calls, reporting dangers or accidents. The alternative allowed is to use hands-free implements.
The use of “Do Not Disturb” mode prevents distraction. Hands-free applications such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto also maintain focus on the road rather than screens.
Using your mobile device for navigational purposes like Google Maps or Waze is allowed as long as it does not obstruct the driver’s line of sight. It is best to set it before driving.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that even short glances away from driving cause dangerous blind spots, raising accident risks in busy areas like Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Strict following of these steps supports safer roads for everyone under the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028.
Eating or drinking while driving
2. Drunk Driving
Philippine statistics show that out of 10 people who die due to road accidents a day, three of them are linked to alcohol consumption. These loss of lives could have been prevented with some conscious safety efforts.
Drunk driving is a violation under Republic Act No. 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013) which prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, or other similar substances.
(The Carranglan, Nueva Ecija accident mentioned earlier last April 15, 2025, was allegedly due to unconfirmed reports that the truck driver was under the influence of alcohol.)
So what is the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit? If one holds a non-professional license, the BAC should be lower than .05%, while one holding a professional license must be lower than .01%.
BAC depends on the amount of alcoholic beverage, one’s metabolism rate, the body weight, gender, and total hours drinking. An estimate will be 2-3 standard drinks for males with average build, and 1-2 standard drinks for females, but these are just rough estimates.
Want to know one’s consumption before reaching the .05% limit? Check our Blood Alcohol Concentration Calculator.
Blood Alcohol Concentration Calculator
The standard drink in the first field refers to:
- One shot or 1.5 ounces liquor such as vodka, gin, or whiskey; or
- One 12 oz bottle or can of beer; or
- One 5-oz glass of wine.
In the Philippines, if one fails the breathalyzer and sobriety tests, the fine will be between PHP50,000 to PHP100,000 plus a prison term of six months.
If one causes an injury, the fines shoot up to PHP150,000 to PHP250,000 plus imprisonment. In case of drunk driving resulting in death, the fines will be between PHP300,000 and PHP 500,000 plus imprisonment.
A record of driving under the influence also makes it very difficult to get car insurance coverage, high premiums at best, with some insurance companies rejecting it outright as they are high-risk.
Moreover, non professional license holders will have an 18-month suspension of their license on the first offense and permanent revocation on the second offense. Professional license holders will have their license permanently revoked on the first offense.
The message here is that the best option is to not drive when going to a party and get a cab or ride with a friend who is not drinking. That way, you are not only protecting yourself but the innocent victims of DUI.
3. Overspeeding
Overspeeding accounts for around 30% of the total road traffic accidents that occur yearly in the Philippines.
Exceeding the speed limit in Philippine thoroughfares carries the following penalties:
- First offense: PHP 2,000 fine
- Second offense: PHP 3,000 plus a minimum three months suspension of the driver’s license
- Third offense:PHP10,000 plus a minimum six months suspension of the driver’s license
- Fourth offense: driver’s license revocation plus 2 years ineligibility to obtain a non-professional license
Don’t think that one can get away with it when there are no traffic enforcers. Those street security cameras are able to record violators, and, if the vehicle is under your name, the next time you renew your license, the violations are under your name and you have to pay the fines due to renew your license.
4. Poor Road Conditions
Bad road conditions, like rough surfaces and missing signs, often lead to car accidents—keep reading to see why these problems matter so much for road safety.
Potholes and damaged roads
Potholes and damaged roads can cause serious road accidents in the Philippines. Drivers can lose control if they strike a deep pothole or cracked road surface. Motorcycles and bicycles are even more at risk because such hazards are likely to cause easy skidding or crashing, particularly on wet roads following heavy rainfall.
Weak road infrastructure and inadequate regular repairs lead to poor road conditions, which also impact pedestrian safety.
Inadequate maintenance heightens the demand for effective traffic enforcement to guarantee safe speeds of driving. Unmarked potholes catch truck drivers and car owners by surprise, forcing them to stop or swerve abruptly and thereby causing vehicle crashes.
Lack of proper signage
Missing or incomplete road signs confuse both drivers and pedestrians. Most roads in the Philippines do not have sufficient warnings, speed limit signs, or clear turn signals. This usually results in traffic accidents and reckless driving on broken or slippery roads.
In Metro Manila, most intersections lack sign boards indicating which direction cars should turn or where trucks are not allowed to enter.
If signs for pedestrian zones or school areas are missing, vulnerable road users like children face more danger. Poor signage means people easily miss speed limits and warnings about hazards such as abrupt curves.
5. Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures—like sudden brake loss or a flat tire—can cause serious road accidents and hurt motorist safety, so keep reading to find out how you can stay prepared on Philippine roads.
Brake failure
Low brake fluid and brittle brakes are the most common causes of brake failure. This mechanical issue is responsible for most road traffic accidents in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines.
Some drivers ignore regular checks, risking car accidents that can harm both motorists and vulnerable road users.
Even small leaks in the braking system can put everyone on a slippery road—where stopping becomes almost impossible.
Drivers should get regular brake inspections as part of good motorist safety habits. Avoid overloading vehicles, unload necessary stuff in your vehicle, it is harder for your brakes with the unnecessary load.
Keep speed within limits, and check fluid levels often to reduce risk.
Workshops certified by land transportation authorities help make sure your brakes stay safe for heavy rains or damaged roads ahead. Tire blowouts may also cause loss of control after a brake problem occurs.
Tire blowouts
A car at high speed that blows its tires can go out of control, since the loss of tire pressure can cause the car to lose balance and pull to one side. With the shift of weight, it can cause the vehicle to collide, skid, or even roll over.
Many factors play a role: wrong tire pressure, old tires older than three to six years, and damaged wheel mechanisms like rotors.
Always have a wheel check, better yet, an over-all car check, (think B.L.O.W.B.A.G.) especially when going out of town on long trips.
B Brakes – check brake fluid and brake pads
L Lights – having defective lights (busted, incomplete headlights/tail lights/brake lights) can get you apprehended and fined PHP5000.00.
O Oil – check sufficient oil levels (and that it is clean oil!)
W Water – check radiator water to help prevent overheating
B Battery – check water in the battery (only if it is the lead-acid type with removable caps) to make sure the water is above the battery plates; check battery strength
A Air – enough tire pressure/check spare tire too
G Gas
Visit auto repair shops near you for a safe, worry-free trip. Also, in case of an emergency especially in an unfamiliar territory, conveniently find auto electricians or mechanics on call based on your current location.
6. Aggressive overtaking/road rage
Aggressive overtaking is a common cause of car accidents in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines. Drivers tend to miscalculate distances or disregard markings on roads, causing vehicle collisions and endangering vulnerable road users.
The World Health Organization (WHO) adds that human error, including poor overtaking, is a major contributor to traffic accidents.
To avoid these crashes, motorists must not pass when they can’t see well ahead or in curves and use their turn signal lights every time. It is safer to maintain your speed constant if another vehicle attempts to overtake you—particularly in big trucks or buses.
Strict enforcement of traffic rules and improved consciousness of traffic laws can reduce the number of crashes based on the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028.
This keeps both motorist safety and pedestrian safety top priorities on busy roads with mixed active mobility users.
7. Ignoring traffic rules
Bad overtaking often pairs with ignoring traffic rules, making roads less safe for everyone. Many drivers skip turn signals or change lanes at the last second. This results in confusion and increases the likelihood of car crashes in heavily populated places such as Metro Manila.
Another rule commonly broken is the no overtaking sign as marked by yellow lines.
Disobedience to speed limits or traffic signs exposes pedestrians and vulnerable road users to a high level of danger.
Ignoring the easiest measures—like looking into side mirrors, checking signal lights, or being in correct lanes—causes numerous car accidents annually. The World Health Organization emphasizes that unsafe driver behavior is still a leading cause of road crash deaths globally.
Recalling the 4 major road accidents that made the news within the last 4 weeks, the NAIA incident, Marikina mishap, SCTex tragedy, and the Carranglan N.Ecija incident, were all human errors.
Weak traffic enforcement and disregard for the Land Transportation and Traffic Code were major contributors to Philippine road safety concerns in 2023 alone.
There are definite rules for caution when driving on slippery roads, but without adherence to these laws, human error remains a danger to motorist safety and pedestrian protection under strategies such as the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028.
8. Fatigue or Drowsy Driving
The SCTEX tragedy last May 1 wherein 10 perished and 37 were injured was allegedly due to the driver’s drowsiness.
Fatigued or sleepy driving causes numerous car crashes in the Philippines. Drivers who do not sleep well have difficulty maintaining their attention on the road, miss signal lights, and respond more slowly.
The World Health Organization cautions that human error, like dozing off at the wheel, is a primary cause of road crash deaths globally. In Metro Manila alone, traffic enforcement agencies indicate that fatigued drivers are responsible for a number of serious vehicle crashes annually.
A driver who feels sleepy may drift between lanes or ignore basic traffic rules without even knowing it. Road safety experts link about 20 percent of crashes in some areas—especially late at night—to fatigue.
Excessive working hours or long daily trips drive most individuals to drive even when they are too fatigued. Pull over and rest in a safe place, such as a gasoline station, when sleepy.
This dangerous practice exposes both drivers and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians to risk, pointing to the need for effective traffic laws and public sensitization under initiatives such as the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028.
9. Jaywalking
Republic Act 4136 makes it clear—drivers must yield at crosswalks for pedestrian safety. Still, drivers face sudden jaywalking pedestrians who ignore signal lights or traffic rules.
Staying alert helps prevent car accidents and lowers road crash fatalities. Obey speed limits near crosswalks to keep everyone safe according to the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028 and World Health Organization (WHO) guides on motorist safety.
10. Poor Weather Conditions
Stormy days can make driving risky, with wet roads raising the chance of crashes—both risky for drivers and pedestrians.
Heavy rains and slippery roads
Heavy rains tend to make roads slippery in Metro Manila and some parts of the Philippines. Tires lose traction, and vehicles skid or hydroplane.
Road crashes accelerate quickly in inclement weather, with World Health Organization (WHO) reporting increased road crash fatalities attributed to adverse conditions and driver error.
Choose safer routes when downpours hit… avoid damaged roads or spots with no proper signage. Inspect wheel mechanisms often; poor road infrastructure makes things worse.
Check/pump brakes every now and then when driving amidst heavy downpour, it might not work when you first step on it.
Bad weather calls for extra care from both drivers and traffic enforcement teams under the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028.
Driver behavior matters most as we look at how fatigue or drowsy driving adds risk on rainy days.
Wrapping It Up
Philippine road accidents occur for so many reasons—distracted driving, drunk driving, overspeeding, and poor road conditions all contribute. Basic common sense such as obeying traffic laws, being mindful of pedestrians, and not texting or calling while driving can prevent costly mistakes, most notably the loss of life.
Being awake behind the wheel and having your vehicle inspected before every journey are simple things everyone can do. Safer roads mean fewer families lose loved ones; small actions matter a lot.
If you want to learn more about road safety or get car insurance, many local groups and government sites offer helpful tips—every safe choice you make could save a life.
FAQs
1. . What are the leading causes of road accidents in the Philippines?
The majority of car crashes here are a result of human error, poor driving habits, excessive speeding, drunk driving, and road conditions. Road user behavior and lack of pedestrian safety also play a part.
2. Are drivers still liable if the pedestrian crosses outside the designated pedestrian lane?
Yes, the driver can still be held liable if the pedestrian was hit outside of the pedestrian lane, and the proper authorities investigating the accident will determine if the driver did due diligence and reasonable care.
3. Do weather or climate change influence car insurance claims following accidents?
Yes… Slippery roads during storms can cause more traffic accidents in Metro Manila and nearby cities. Insurance companies look at these factors when checking claims after vehicle collisions.
4. Who supports programs to cut down on car accidents in the Philippines?
Groups like the World Health Organization (WHO), Asian Development Bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund—and even local banks that offer personal loans—work together with government plans to boost overall growth rate while focusing on gross domestic product through safer travel and fewer deaths each year.