ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES ON DRIVERS IN BARANGAY UGONG, VALENZUELA CITY

Abstract

Traffic violations contribute significantly to road accidents, congestion, and public safety risks in urban areas. In Valenzuela City, rapid urbanization and increasing vehicle numbers exacerbate these challenges. Barangay Ugong experiences frequent violations that undermine traffic flow and endanger drivers and pedestrians. This study assesses the impact of traffic violations and penalties on drivers in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City, to inform enforcement strategies and public safety initiatives. A descriptive quantitative design is employed using purposive sampling to select respondents knowledgeable about local traffic enforcement. Permission was obtained from the Bestlink College of the Philippines School of Criminology and the Barangay Ugong substation commander. A structured survey questionnaire was administered to fifty participants—forty drivers and ten traffic enforcers—to collect numerical data on enforcement effectiveness, penalty perceptions, and enforcement challenges. Responses were analyzed using means and percentages. Respondents were predominantly male, aged 18 to 25, married, with over eleven years of driving experience. Most identified as drivers (80 percent). Enforcement effectiveness received strong agreement (mean = 3.40), with technology applications such as speed and red‑light cameras rated highly (mean = 3.60). Penalties were viewed as effective motivators (mean = 3.50), and awareness of traffic laws was high (mean = 3.70), especially regarding safety equipment use (mean = 3.78). Major concerns included difficulties in license renewal and income loss due to vehicle impoundment (both 84 percent). The most supported recommendation was stricter vehicle inspections at checkpoints (88 percent). The findings indicated that robust enforcement measures and technological tools improve compliance, but administrative hurdles and financial impacts undermine driver cooperation. As a result, drivers in Barangay Ugong were encouraged to adhere to traffic regulations and take responsibility for violations. Stricter enforcement of severe offenses, such as drunk driving and illegal parking, was recommended to reduce accident risk and enhance public safety. Implementing these measures contributed to a safer traffic environment in the community.