A vehicular collision in Tagaytay involving a group of teenagers who had reportedly just come from a drinking session has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a pregnant woman. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Tuesday, June 17.
According to the Tagaytay City Police, the minivan was being driven by an 18-year-old male identified only as France. He was accompanied by four friends, all aged 17 to 19, who were also recent graduates of senior high school. The group had allegedly consumed alcohol earlier that evening at a residence in Mendez before getting on the road.
At approximately 12:50 a.m., the minivan swerved into the opposite lane along a road in Tagaytay and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. The other vehicle was occupied by a three-month pregnant woman, her live-in partner, and a friend who had offered to drive them to the hospital after the woman complained of feeling unwell. All three occupants of the car died at the scene.
Police reports state that the teen driver was operating the vehicle at high speed before the crash. He and his four passengers sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. France remains under hospital arrest and has undergone surgery. Authorities confirmed that he will be facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides and damage to property.
A Continuing Concern: Drunk Driving Among Teens
This incident has once again brought attention to the serious consequences of driving under the influence, especially among young drivers. Alcohol significantly impairs motor skills, decision-making, and reaction time, increasing the risk of fatal road crashes. According to the Department of Health, thousands of Filipinos lose their lives to traffic accidents each year, with drunk driving being one of the leading causes.
While laws such as the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 are in place, enforcement and awareness remain a challenge. In many cases involving minors, underage drinking and lack of supervision contribute to unsafe decisions behind the wheel.
What to Do Instead of Driving Under the Influence
In situations where an individual has consumed alcohol but needs to travel, it is crucial to avoid driving. Safer alternatives include:
- Asking a sober family member or friend for a ride
- Using public transportation or a trusted ride-hailing service
- Staying at a safe place until sober enough to travel
- Planning ahead by designating a non-drinking driver before any gathering involving alcohol
Driving under the influence is preventable. Taking any of the above alternatives can save lives and prevent irreversible consequences.
DriveSafe PH urges young drivers, parents, and communities to reinforce the importance of responsible decision-making on the road. Drunk driving is not only a legal offense but a serious public safety issue. With proper education and stronger awareness, tragedies like the Tagaytay crash can be avoided.
For the latest updates on transport policies, road safety measures, and driving education, connect with DriveSafe PH:
ā Follow us on Facebook for real-time updates: https://www.facebook.com/drivesafeacademy
āBe a responsible and safe driverāEnroll in our OTDC: https://main.drivesafe.ph/find-driving-school
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CBD6XTfAk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
