Senator Mark Villar on Thursday expressed his support for the observance of Road Safety Month by pushing for more cycling and pedestrian lanes to promote road safety, and its health and economic impacts.

In a news release on Thursday, Villar said part of the overarching problem of road safety is the lack of sustainable infrastructure that is inclusive of pedestrians, cyclists, and similar vehicles.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), road traffic deaths were recorded to be at an all-time high of 11,096 in 2021, and is the leading cause of death among Filipinos aged 15-29.

“Ang mahigit 11,000 na namatay noong 2021 ay katumbas ng 30 tao kada araw at higit isa kada oras na namamatay dahil sa aksidente sa daan. Sa bawat isa pong namamatay sa mga aksidente na ito ay may pamilyang nadadamay (The more than 11,000 deaths in 2021 equate to 30 people per day, and more than one per hour dying from road accidents. For every person who dies in these accidents, there is a family affected),” Villar said.

The former Public Works secretary emphasized the need for safe roads by advocating for sustainable infrastructure that accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, and similar vehicles, as well as promoting alternative and sustainable transportation options.

“We are strongly for the construction of infrastructure that could benefit our cyclists and pedestrians. Mahalaga po para sa atin ang makapagbigay ng alternative at sustainable means of transport para sa ating mga kababayan (It is important for us to be able to provide alternative and sustainable means of transport for our countrymen),” Villar said.

The Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A declares the month of May as Road Safety Month to promote road safety in the country. (PNA)