The number of motorcycle-related fatalities in Metro Manila increased slightly in 2020, despite the presence of government checkpoints at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people shifted to two-wheelers due to limited public-transport availability and physical-distancing requirements.
Based on the 2020 Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the number of fatal accidents involving motorcycles hit 229 last year, compared with 221 in 2019—a 3.5% increase. The total number of motorcycle-related road crashes last year was 22,080, versus 31,279 in 2019, representing a 29.4% decrease.
As regards accidents that caused non-fatal injuries, the report showed a 24.9% decrease—11,032 in 2020 versus 14,691 in 2019.
The actual number of persons involved in motorcycle-related accidents are as follows:
- 198 riders killed and 10,226 injured
- 17 passengers killed and 1,464 injured
- 21 pedestrians killed and 1,078 injured
In all, 13,004 people were involved in these accidents, representing an average of 36 per day. The corresponding figures for 2019 are 14,553 people in total and an average of 40 per day.
According to the report, the highest number of deaths from motorcycle accidents occurred from 8pm to 9pm and from 10pm to 11pm. During both time periods, 17 fatalities were recorded. Side swipes caused the most damage to property (3,420) and injuries (2,842), while collisions with objects resulted in the most fatalities (41).
With private motor vehicle inspection centers now in place and with the Land Transportation Office’s implementation of mandatory rider training, do you think these figures will go down this year?
For the full MMARAS 2020 report, click here.
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopBikes.ph. Minor edits have ben made.
