AN ASSESSMENT ON THE NEGATIVE RESULT OF DRUNK DRIVING TO ROAD ACCIDENTS IN MINDANAO AVENUE, QUEZON CITY

Abstract

The Western Pacific region faces significant challenges related to alcohol consumption, particularly its role as a major risk factor for road traffic injuries. While stringent drunk driving laws have proven effective in some countries, a major concern is the lack of comprehensive data across much of the region, which limits the ability to design targeted and effective interventions. The article also emphasizes the complex impact of alcohol on both physical and cognitive functions, further exacerbating road safety risks. A more in-depth investigation is needed to identify the root causes of this data deficiency, assess the effectiveness of existing policies in comparable regions, and explore how this knowledge can inform the development of more effective strategies. The researchers will employ a survey questionnaire to collect data for this study. It will consist of structured and semi-structured questions aimed at obtaining relevant information from the respondents. The questionnaire may be distributed in person, online, or by mail, depending on the most practical and accessible method for participants. This tool ensures efficient and consistent data collection across all respondent groups. Among the 100 respondents, 36% (36 individuals) are between the ages of 34 and 41, making it the most represented age group. In contrast, only 6% (6 respondents) are aged 51 and above, the smallest group in the sample.  The results emphasize the significant contribution of drunk driving to traffic accidents along Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City. In terms of Loss Control, the overall weighted mean rating is 3.36, which falls under the interpretation of "strongly agree", indicating that respondents perceive drunk driving as a major factor in traffic incidents. The category of Trouble in Decision-Making received a weighted mean of 3.22, also interpreted as "strongly agree", reflecting the view that alcohol impairs drivers' ability to make sound judgments.  Regarding Legal Repercussions, the study recorded a weighted mean of 3.33, interpreted as "strongly agree", suggesting strong awareness among respondents about the legal consequences of drunk driving. Additionally, the dimension of Imprisonment yielded a weighted mean of 3.23, further affirming respondents' agreement with the severity of penalties imposed on offenders.  Furthermore, 65% of the respondents (65 out of 100) agreed that excessive speed leads to longer stopping distances and reduced reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents. The majority of respondents are aged 34 to 41, making them the most represented age group in the study. Overall, the respondents strongly agree with the assessment of the harmful effects of drunk driving on traffic accidents along Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City, particularly in terms of loss of control, impaired decision-making, legal consequences, and imprisonment.  Furthermore, respondents noted that excessive speed increases stopping distance, further heightening the risk of accidents. As part of the proposed solutions, they recommended the installation of CCTV cameras, strict enforcement of speed limits, and regular speed monitoring to help mitigate the negative impacts of drunk driving and improve road safety in the area.