According to ABS-CBN news, a pregnant elementary school teacher and her husband perished in a road accident in Dingras, Ilocos Norte on the morning of February 2, 2017.
As the report goes, 34-year-old Analiza Embana was 9 months pregnant. Her husband, Alexy was a tricycle driver; the couple lived in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.
The couple were aboard a motorcycle when they crashed into a passenger jeepney. PNP Dingras Deputy Chief, Senior Inspector Christopher Malanum told ABS-CBN news that the jeepney’s driver, Manny Lucas, had overtaken another vehicle before crashing into the couple’s motorcycle.
The jeepney reportedly overtook another vehicle before crashing into the couple's motorcycle
“Sa pago-overtake niya, paparating naman itong motorcycle. Marahil hindi na niya maiwasan at maabot ang kanyang preno kaya’t nagkabangaan sila,” observed the local police chief.
Upon impact, Analiza was flung from the motorcycle, while Alexy was dragged and clipped between the jeepney and a nearby gutter. Though they were rushed to the hospital, their severe injuries to their legs, arms, and heads proved too much; both were pronounced dead on arrival.
The accident also injured three of the jeepney’s passengers, all of whom were also brought to a nearby hospital.
The jeepney’s driver, who maintains that he was not the one who was overtaking but the couple on the motorcycle, will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, physical injuries and damage to property.
According to the Embana family, Analiza was expecting to give birth on February 18 and she was finalizing her papers to file for maternity leave on the day of the accident.
The couple left behind a 10-year-old daughter.
According to the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA), an average of 66 motorcycle accidents are recorded daily in the Philippines. Of this number, nearly half of these accidents claim the lives of its victims.
MDPPA vice-chairman Magnus Mateo offers some tips on how we can try to avoid motorcyle accidents.
- Wear proper gear: helmet, reflectorized vest, and pads.
- Have a proper mindset: think like a defensive driver. "Always expect na hindi ka napapansin ng mga motorista. Always expect na may tatawid diyan sa harap mo. Iyan ang defensive driving," he told ABS-CBN news.
- Maintain proper positioning: "Sometimes wrong positioning eh, dapat dun ka palagi sa left side ng sasakyan para nakikita ka. Dapat mag-headlight ha, bumusina ka para mapansin ka," he added.
- Don't overload: Mateo emphasizes that motorcycles are intended for two passengers only. If more than two people board a motorcycle or if you strap on heavy cargo at the back, this will affect its balance and make riders more prone to meeting accidents, specifically during sudden turns. He continued: "We do not recommend ang mga bata na sasakay sa motor na hindi abot ang tapakan, o kaya yung hindi kayang humawak o yumakap ng buo doon sa rider. Dapat nakakatapak siya sa footrest."
- Avoid fake parts: Mateos strongly cautions motorcycle riders against unauthorized dealers and mechanics.
READ: Tragic! 12-year-old boy dies in motorcycle accident in Cavite
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