Road Safety Education in Schools Act

same will: TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE JUL 10 P6:34 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED SY SENATE S. B. No. _ Introduced by Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta AN ACT INTEGRATING ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION IN THE K TO 12 BASIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE On 01 May 2025, an ordinary toll plaza in the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway became the site of an unimaginable tragedy as a speeding passenger bus rammed into multiple vehicles-leaving 37 injured and claiming the lives of at least 10 people, including the parents of a two-year-old toddler as well as four children on their way to a religious youth camp.' Shortly after, on 04 May 2025, a sport utility vehicle crash near the entrance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport left two casualties, including a four-year-old girl who had just been there to send off her overseas Filipino worker father.2 These tragedies highlight what has been a growing crisis of road transportation crashes and incidents in the country. In 2023, the country recorded its highest number of deaths due to land transportation accidents at 13,125—a 7.2% increase from the 12,240 deaths recorded in 2022.3 A considerable portion of these casualties consisted of minors and young adults. Pedestrians also remain as one of the more vulnerable users of our roads. In 2023, for example, the Metro Manila Development Authority reported 85,954 cases of 1 Kaycee Valmonte, Children Headed to Youth Camp Among 10 Dead in SCTEX Crash, RAPPLER.COM, May 02, 2025, available at https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/deaths-sctex-crash-may-2025/ (last accessed on July 06, 2025). 2 Joviland Rita, NAIA Car Crash Victims Died Due to Blunt Force Trauma - Autopsy Results, GMA NEWS, May 07, 2025, available at autopsy-results/story/ (last accessed on July 06, 2025). 3 Philippine Statistics Authority, Land Transport Accidents Account 1.9 percent of Deaths in the Country, Highest Number of Deaths Recorded in 2023, May 07, 2025, available at https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/vital-statistics/node/1684076211 (last accessed on July 06, 2025).

road crashes in Metro Manila-of which 352 were fatal collisions.* And of these 352 crashes, at least 96 or roughly 27% of these incidents involved pedestrians.5 Along with population density, infrastructure challenges, and enforcement issues, one of the contributing factors cited in the report was driver behavior or the often-reckless conduct exhibited by motorists on the road.6 This bill, which takes inspiration from similar measures filed during the previous Congress as well as from existing road safety programs such as the Students Today, Road Users Tomorrow (STRUT) and the Strengthening Advocacy for Future Educators and Drivers (SAFE) Schools Initiative by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), aims to stem this growing crisis by integrating the principles of road safety as well as a comprehensive drivers education module in the K to 12 basic education curriculum. Not only will this instill greater awareness among the youth on road safety and awareness, but it will also mold a new generation of road users towards proper road conduct and discipline. This bill is also aligned with our commitment towards fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG Target 3.6 on halving the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents, as well as SDG Target 11.2 on providing access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons by 2030. In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought. Queue. RODANTE D. MARCOLETA 4 Metro Manila Development Authority, 2023 Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS), available at https://mmda.gov.ph/images/Home/FOI/MMARAS/MMARAS_Annual_Report_2023.pdf (last accessed on July 06, 2025). ≤ Ibid. * Ibid.

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 25 JUL 10 P6:35 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session SENATE S. B. No. 151 Introduced by Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta AN ACT INTEGRATING ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION IN THE K TO 12 BASIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Road Safety Education in

Schools Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

ensure the safety and security of its citizens through road safety infrastructure, legislation, and programs. Further, the State recognizes that road accidents and deaths are urgent health and development concerns that gravely affect both the economy and the community at large. Towards this end, the State shall establish an inclusive mechanism that instills road safety consciousness in students to ensure their safety in and outside of the school.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. — For the purpose of this Act:

a. Basic Road Safety refers to the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians and commuters in their use of all types of roads used for transportation in order to reduce the incidence of road accidents. It shall include, but not limited to, the following: i. Road awareness; ii. Road signages, iii. Responsible commuting; and iv. Responsibilities of pedestrians;

b. Comprehensive Drivers' Education refers to the rights and responsibilities of drivers in their use of all types of roads for transportation in order to reduce the incidence of road accidents. It shall include, but not limited to, the following: i. Organization and operation of the Land Transportation Office (LTO); ii. Requirement and processes of obtaining a license; ili. Current road safety laws and traffic regulations; iv. Traffic signages; v. Operation of automotive parts and related accessories; vi. Different parking skills; vii. Driving courtesy; viii. Scanning of danger to reduce road crash risks; ix. Defensive driving techniques; x. Dangers of distracted driving as well as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; xi. Vehicle safety features; xii. Road hazards; xiii. Emergency situations and procedures; xiv. Safe use of motorcycles and light motor vehicles; xv. Passenger safety; xvi. Pedestrian safety; and xvii. Basic Road Safety and its components as provided under Section 3(a) of this Act. c. K to 12 refers to the enhanced basic education program created under Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.

Sec. 4. Integration into the Curriculum. - Basic Road Safety and

Comprehensive Drivers' Education are hereby integrated into the K to 12 basic education curriculum. Basic Road Safety shall be made part of the elementary curriculum while the Comprehensive Drivers' Education shall be made part of the junior and senior high school curricula.

Sec. 5. Teaching Modules. - The Department of Education (DepEd), in

coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the LTO, and the

1 University of the Philippines National Center for Transportation Studies (UP-NCTS), 2 and in consultation with local government units, other relevant government agencies 3 and road safety advocates and organizations, shall design the Basic Road Safety and Comprehensive Drivers' Education teaching modules, taking into consideration the age 5 and comprehension level of the students: Provided, That in the creation of teaching 6 modules, the agencies shall take into consideration, incorporate, improve on, or build 7 upon existing road safety programs and initiatives for students

Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this

9 Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days after the

effectivity of this Act, the DepEd shall, in coordination with DOTr, LTO, UP-NCTS, other relevant government agencies, and road safety advocates and organizations, promulgate the rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this 14 Act.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared

16 invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

letters of instructions, proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,