A FATAL multi-vehicle collision on the Davao City Coastal Road bridge on the evening of Dec. 30 left one person dead, sparking a reminder from law enforcement regarding road safety.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) confirmed that the accident, which occurred at approximately 8:08 p.m., involved a van, a motorcycle, and a government-owned bus.
Initial investigation by the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) revealed that the van driver parked along a high-speed section of the coastal road—where stopping is strictly prohibited—and activated hazard lights without a valid emergency.
A motorcycle crashed into the van’s rear portion after the rider failed to avoid the vehicle.
The impact caused the motorcycle to lose balance and crash into the inner lane.
Tragically, the motorcycle’s back-rider was run over by a passing government bus and was declared dead on the spot due to severe head injuries.
Hit-and-run and surrender
The van driver initially fled the scene following the collision. However, the DCPO reported that the driver surrendered to authorities on Dec. 31.
While the vehicle and the driver are now in police custody, the DCPO clarified that the surrender does not clear the individual of legal consequences.
“The DCPO emphasizes that this [surrender] does not absolve the driver of criminal and civil liability arising from the incident,” the police statement read.
The DCPO also reminded motorists of the misuse of hazard lights. Police underscored that “hazard lights are NOT an excuse to stop on major roads,” particularly on high-speed thoroughfares like the coastal road.
“Negligence, recklessness, and disregard for traffic regulations cost lives,” the DCPO stated.
