Analysis of the Causes of Vehicular Accidents in the City of Santiago, Isabela

Abstract

Vehicular accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury, death, and property damage in the Philippines, posing serious challenges to public safety and law enforcement agencies. Road crashes not only result in loss of lives but also create social and economic burdens for families, communities, and the government. This study aimed to analyze vehicular accidents in the City of Santiago, Isabela, based on the records of the Philippine National Police for the year 2024. The study employed a quantitative descriptive-analytical research design using documentary analysis to examine existing vehicular accident records from the Philippine National Police. The findings show that vehicular accidents in the City of Santiago are mostly attributed to motorcycles, due to their increasing number of users, affordability, and fuel efficiency. Most accidents in the city occurred in January, coinciding with higher travel volumes after the holiday season. Furthermore, the majority of vehicular accidents happened during late-night hours, likely due to driver fatigue after long working hours, which may also increase the likelihood of speeding in an attempt to reach home sooner, further elevating the risk of accidents. Moreover, the main cause of these accidents was driver recklessness, indicating that most accidents in the city are preventable if drivers exercise caution.