Development of a Road Safety Index for Metro Manila Based on a 10-year Retrospective Analysis

Background. Global road traffic fatalities continue to rise, posing significant public health and economic burdens, with estimated productivity losses of $12.69 billion, equivalent to 4.1% of GDP. Developing countries are disproportionately affected, highlighting persistent disparities in road traffic deaths. In the Philippines, Metro Manila has experienced increasing road traffic accidents and fatalities since 2005. Monitoring progress against global, national, regional, and local road safety goals is essential.

Objective. This study aimed to develop an overall Road Safety Index (RSI) and assess Metro Manila’s road safety performance in alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 5 Pillars of Road Safety.

Methods. Using WHO’s 5 Pillars as a framework, we developed the RSI based on road safety data from 2009–2019 sourced from WHO, the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local hospitals. Data were scored and aggregated into indices using an equal-weighting method, and Metro Manila’s overall RSI was calculated.

Results. Six major indices were generated: Road Safety Management, Safer Roads and Mobility, Safer Road Users, Safer Vehicles, and Post-Crash Response. Metro Manila performed best in Safer Roads and Mobility (78.9/100), followed by Safer Road Users (62.4/100) and Safer Vehicles (59.8/100). Road Safety Management (34.6/100) and Post-Crash Response (35.6/100) were identified as key areas needing improvement. Overall, Metro Manila’s RSI increased from 46.0/100 in 2009 to 64.2/100 in 2020.

Conclusion. The Philippines-focused Road Safety Index provides a benchmark for Metro Manila’s progress in road safety and highlights areas for targeted interventions. These findings can guide policymakers in prioritizing initiatives to improve road safety outcomes effectively and efficiently.