THE SERIES of vehicular crashes on the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard should make authorities realize that road developments and expansions must go hand in hand with safety planning. While infrastructure development is vital for economic growth and urban mobility, the recent crashes show a worrying pattern: safety measures are often treated as afterthoughts rather than integral components of road projects.
The absence of traffic signals, inadequate lighting, and lack of pedestrian safety features are among the identified factors contributing to these incidents. It is commendable that Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas has swiftly called for interventions such as the installation of stoplights, floodlights, and even surprise inspections. However, these measures should not come only after lives have been lost.
The fundamental lesson here is that road safety should be embedded in infrastructure planning from the outset. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units must ensure that every new road or expansion project includes essential safety features before opening them to the public. Traffic signals, proper lighting, pedestrian crossings, and clear road signs should not be optional add-ons but standard components of road development.
Moreover, there is a need for stricter coordination between planning agencies and traffic management offices. Roads should be designed with proper studies on traffic flow, vehicle types, and potential hazards. Engineering solutions such as speed-reducing structures, designated lanes, and properly marked intersections can significantly minimize accidents.
Urbanization and progress demand better roads, but these should not come at the cost of public safety. The situation at the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard is a wake-up call — not just for Iloilo City but for infrastructure planners across the country. The time to integrate safety into development is not after disasters strike, but before the first vehicle even sets wheels on the pavement.
