Road crash injuries recorded over the holidays doubled compared with the same period last year, the Department of Health reported yesterday.
A total of 1,384 injuries were documented at 10 sentinel hospitals from December 21, 2025, to 5 a.m. on January 5, 2026.
This marked a 100% increase from 690 cases reported during the same surveillance period in the previous year.
Nearly half of the injured, or 647 people, were aged 15 to 29.
Motorcycle riders accounted for seven out of ten fatalities in separate incidents, six of whom were not wearing helmets, while three pedestrians also died.
Alcohol was a factor in 171 of the reported road crashes.
A total of 1,188 individuals involved in accidents were not using safety equipment such as helmets or seatbelts.
Motorcycle-related incidents made up 989 of the total reported injuries.
The health department called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to curb the rising number of road crash injuries.
Authorities urged motorists to wear approved helmets and seatbelts, avoid driving while fatigued or intoxicated, follow speed limits and road signs, get adequate rest before traveling, and refrain from using cellphones while driving.
