By Liza Agoot
BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) has reiterated the importance of ensuring that vehicles are in good condition before travel to prevent accidents.
“Before we even turn on the engine of our vehicles, we must first check and remember BLOW BAGETS (Brakes, Light, Oil, Water, Battery, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, Self) for our safety and other persons,” Col. Ruel Tagel, city police director, said in a phone interview on Wednesday.
He said the condition of both the vehicle and the driver matters a lot, considering that the city’s roads in mountainous areas are either sloping, ascending or curved.
The BCPO logged 109 vehicular accidents in the city from Jan. 1 to 6 a.m. of Feb. 5.
In a separate message, Maj. Marcy Grace Maron, BCPO information officer, advised motorists to always check their motor vehicles, observe traffic signages, rules and regulations.
“Always keep updated on the traffic advisories posted on our Facebook. Drive safely and responsibly,” she added.
Lawyer Joshua Pablito, Department of Transportation (DOTr)-Cordillera director, reiterated in earlier interviews the importance of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) policy for all applicants of drivers’ licenses to complete a Theoretical Driving Course (TDC), which includes classroom instruction and a final written exam, typically followed by a Practical Driving Course (PDC).
A mandatory education is also required for those renewing a permit before a 10-year validity license is issued and before renewing the driving license of a person who has incurred several road rule violations.
On Wednesday morning, at least 22 people were injured when a taxi and a public utility jeepney collided in Barangay Bakakeng here. (PNA)
