Road Safety in Philippines

Children going to school.

Road Safety In Philippines

Children in Philippines do this also.

("Save Kids' Lives" by Luc Besson)

"Road conditions are poor throughout the country. Most roads, including major highways, are poorly maintained, and traffic is congested.

Many drivers don’t respect traffic laws. They are extremely reckless. They often drive at excessive speeds or way below the speed limit on highways. Accidents causing fatalities are common.

Driving conditions are hazardous at all times. During the rainy season, metro centres may become impassable due to flash floods.

Even minor road incidents can escalate quickly and lead to violent assaults.

If driving in the Philippines:

• avoid travel outside urban areas or tourist centers after dark.
• stay on national highways and paved roads.
• avoid any confrontation (excerpt from Philippines Travel Advice.)

When driving in your car expect cars, trucks and motorcycles to pass you on the left OR right side. Expect pedestrians to run in front of you anytime and anyplace. In rural areas expect occasional Carabao (water buffalo) to wander into or be led across the street, even on the darkest sections of the road.

In urban areas expect people pushing food carts on or in the street. Very dangerous at night or in heavy rain when you can barely see them. Drive very slow! Clean your windshield inside and out if you will be driving in the rain.

There are very few sidewalks outside of cities like Metro Manila, Cebu City, Olongapo, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and some most big cities. Citizens are forced, of necessity, to walk on the edges of roads for lack of paved walkways. For example, driving back to our house, from a shopping mall, on a four lane "highway," many people are walking "with traffic" on the edges of the road. Apparently, most have never heard they should wear white, light-colored or reflective clothes at night. In Metro Manila and nearby cities our average speed is only 8 miles per hour! 

Read about our experience driving in the Philippines.

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about getting the best experience at this blog about road safety in the Philippines. This page last updated January 6, 2024.