Concerns about the area, driver’s welfare and passengers’ safety were raised after a TNVS struck a center island in the northbound lane of Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on Tuesday, February 24.
TNVS stands for Transportation Network Vehicle Service, referring to accredited private vehicles operating through ride-hailing platforms.
Reports said that a TNVS crashed into a center island located near an intersection along the avenue past 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
The vehicle then flipped, causing the driver and three female passengers to sustain injuries.
The driver had a long injury on the head, while the passengers sustained minor injuries.
“Napapikit siya, sa kakulangan sa tulog,” Barangay Loyola Heights Emergency Response Team Leader Jessie Mirasol said, referring to the driver.
The passengers were asleep at the time and only woke up when the crash occurred.
One of them said they had almost been hit earlier.
“Before nun, along Katipunan, muntik na rin kami bumangga sa entry. Ta’s nagising ako. Ta’s natulog ulit. Umidlip lang ako, ta’s ayun nga, akala ko nananaginip lang ako na parang gumugulong ako,” a passenger recounted.
The vehicle, a sedan, is now in the custody of the Quezon City Police District as the investigation continues.
Footage of the incident went viral, prompting Filipinos to raise concerns about the crash site, the driver’s condition and the passengers’ safety.
Some noted that the area is “accident-prone” and said measures should be taken to prevent similar incidents.
“Siguro ‘yung mga center island, lagyan ng mga ilaw. Kagaya sa Singapore,” a Facebook user suggested.
“Diyan sa Katipunan, may barrier na alanganin sa gitna, so kung hindi mo kabisado, bangga ka talaga. Again, hindi lahat alam po diyan na hazard ‘yan, so please naman, maglagay naman po kayo, kawawa naman driver,” another said.
“Harap ‘yan Miriam College, ‘pag nasa left-most lane ka going north, babangga ka talaga sa center island facing south, you need to avoid that center island, lalo na pag gabi kasi, and design ng left-most lane ay pang left-turn, kaya tutumbukin mo talaga ‘yang center island if you’re not familiar dun sa arean na ‘yan,” another Pinoy said.
“Problem is, wala na left turn diyan ngayon, kaya you need to cautiously swerve a bit to the right para ‘wag mo ma-hit ‘yang center island,” the Pinoy added.
Others, meanwhile, drew attention to the driver’s condition during the ride, especially since the incident occurred at night, when road visibility is reduced.
They urged drivers to prioritize their well-being and to refrain from driving if they are feeling fatigued or sleepy.
“Naranasan ko rin ‘yan bilang TNVS driver. Naghahabol din ako ng pambayad sa mga gastusin — mula sa kotse at tuition ng mga anak, hanggang sa mga bills sa bahay. Pero hindi ako umabot sa point na ‘napapitik’ ako habang nagmamaneho,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Kapag nakaramdam na ako ng antok, nag-o-offline na agad ako para mag-power nap sa pinakamalapit na gas station. Safety is the number one priority para sa mga family natin at sa mga passengers natin. Ride safe sa lahat ng mga ka-TNVS driver ko diyan!” the online user added.
“‘Pag hindi na kaya, magpahinga na… ‘wag na ipilit bumiyahe,” another commented.
“Dapat kasi ‘pag hindi na kaya, magpahinga na muna [nang] walang disgrasya,” a different Pinoy said.
Some urged TNVS passengers to make the ride more entertaining to keep their drivers awake, especially at night.
“Kawawa naman, hindi talaga maiwasan na mapapikit ang driver sa pagmamaneho dahil sa sobrang pagod. Be alert na lang si passenger, kausapin niya si driver para malibang, suggestion lang,” a Facebook user said.
Driving while drowsy or fatigued is not recommended, as it may cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and become involved in a crash or collision.
Drowsiness reduces awareness of one’s surroundings, which is essential for safe driving.
It can also slow reaction times to changing road conditions, cause drivers to drift out of their lane, and lead to poor driving decisions, among other effects.
Drivers are advised to be in optimal condition before hitting the road to ensure maximum safety. This includes getting enough rest, particularly adequate sleep, before getting behind the wheel.
