Road crash injuries during the 2025 holiday season surged by 82 percent compared to the previous year, with motorcycles figuring in the vast majority of incidents, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported.
Data from 10 sentinel hospitals nationwide revealed a total of 1,113 road injury cases recorded between Dec. 21, 2025, and the early morning of Jan. 2, 2026. Of these, 787 cases—or approximately 71 percent—involved motorcycles.
The DOH also documented seven fatalities during the period. Five of the deceased were passengers of motorcycle riders, while the remaining two were pedestrians.
Health authorities identified the lack of safety gear and alcohol consumption as the primary drivers of the spike.
According to the report, 965 of the injured individuals were not using safety accessories such as helmets or seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Additionally, 135 cases were directly linked to driving under the influence of alcohol.
The sharp increase in accidents comes amid a significant rise in motorcycle ownership in the Philippines.
Industry data shows that 1.58 million motorcycle units were sold in the first 10 months of 2025 alone, a 14-percent jump from the same period in 2024.
In response to the findings, the DOH reiterated its “BiyaHealthy” safety campaign, urging motorists to strictly follow road safety protocols.
The agency recommended the wearing of DTI-approved motorcycle helmets and car seatbelts, ensuring seven to eight hours of sleep before long trips, strict adhering to speed limits and road signs, avoiding mobile phone use while driving and intoxicated driving.
Last year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched a Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City to help educate the growing number of riders on road safety and discipline in an effort to curb the rising trend of two-wheeled vehicle accidents.