Human error main cause of vehicular crashes in Butuan City
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — According to the Butuan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD), 94 percent of the vehicular incidents that they recorded and responded to in December 2025 were caused by human error.
December 2025 data from the CDRRMD showed that road conditions accounted for only 4 percent of the total cases, while environmental factors contributed 2 percent, highlighting that most accidents are preventable and largely driven by unsafe driving behavior.
CDRRMD is one of the frontline agencies dispatched not only during natural disasters but also in responding to road accidents, providing immediate rescue, medical assistance, and coordination with concerned agencies to mitigate the impact of emergencies and save lives.
Further records from the City Transportation and Traffic Management Department (CTTMD) revealed that the majority of road crashes were caused by overspeeding, distracted driving, lack of safety gear, and poor road discipline. All of which are human errors and can be prevented.
From January to October 2025, the CTTMD recorded 1,207 road crash incidents in the city, resulting in 12 fatalities and 556 individuals injured, underscoring the urgent need for stronger road safety awareness and compliance.
Mark July P. Yap, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD), urged drivers and motorists to prioritize their health and safety by exercising greater caution and responsibility on the road. “In 2025, approximately 80 to 90 percent of the road incidents handled by our team resulted from human error,” Yap disclosed.
He stressed that strict adherence to traffic laws, such as observing speed limits, avoiding distractions, and especially wearing safety gear/devices like helmets and seatbelt can help save your life.
“One simple act of negligence or failure to follow traffic rules can put not only your life at risk but also the lives of your passengers and other road users,” Yap said. “While we do everything we can during response operations, it is always better to prevent tragic incidents from happening by consistently practicing proper road safety and preparedness at all times.”(MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from CTTMD and CDRRMD)
