Fatal road crash prompts Mandaue council to call for strict road safety measures

Local

A 13-YEAR-OLD student’s death on a busy road in Mandaue City has prompted the city council to strengthen road safety measures for young pedestrians.

On August 27, a Grade 8 student from Barangay Bakilid was hit and killed by a trailer truck along MC Briones Street in Barangay Looc, near the Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School.

Police said the accident occurred at 8:55 p.m. while the boy was crossing the road.

The vehicle was driven by a 60-year-old man from Barangay Carreta, Cebu City.

The victim crossed the street even though a skywalk was located just a few meters away.

In response, the Mandaue City Council passed two resolutions authored by Councilor Raul Kevin Cabahug.

One resolution urges the Department of Education (DepEd) to require students to use skywalks and pedestrian lanes when crossing highways. The other directs the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) to conduct seminars in schools to raise awareness about traffic rules and safe practices.

Cabahug said pedestrian facilities are already available but are often ignored. He stressed that accidents could be avoided if these facilities were consistently used.

“We need to instill discipline and awareness, not only among students but within the whole community, to prevent these accidents,” he said.

The councilor expressed sorrow over the tragedy, calling it heartbreaking to lose a young life full of potential.

He said the boy’s death showed how vital it is to promote road safety among students. Cabahug urged DepEd to integrate safety reminders into school orientations and programs so that students are constantly reminded to use pedestrian lanes and skywalks.

He also asked TEAM to intensify its outreach through forums and lectures that highlight the dangers of jaywalking.

Cabahug explained that developing the right mindset among students and residents is crucial to preventing further accidents.

To ensure discipline on the road, Cabahug said he would coordinate with Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano and the Committee on Transportation to push for stricter enforcement of penalties against jaywalking.

He admitted that while an ordinance already penalizes the violation, enforcement has been weak.

City officials hope the resolutions will encourage students to use pedestrian facilities and serve as a reminder for the community to follow traffic rules.(MyTVCebu)