Prevalence and Resolution of Road Incidents in Cauayan City, Isabela: A Study on Law Enforcement Strategies

Road incidents remain a major public safety concern in the Philippines, yet localized analyses of law enforcement responses are limited. This study examined the prevalence of road incidents in Cauayan City, Isabela, from 2020 to 2024, and assessed strategies employed by the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) to prevent and resolve these incidents. A mixed-methods approach combined quantitative analysis of official vehicular accident statistics with qualitative interviews of HPG officers (N=7). Results show a total of 4,016 accidents over five years, with motorcycles involved in 65.78% of cases. The most common risk factors were driving under the influence (51.54%), operating without a license (51.39%), and non-use of helmets (46.74%). Incidents peaked during holidays, at night, and in identified high-risk locations. Law enforcement strategies included checkpoints, traffic education programs, and inter-agency collaborations, but were hindered by manpower shortages, limited equipment, low public compliance, and systemic enforcement gaps. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, enhanced enforcement resources, and community-based safety initiatives to reduce accidents and improve public compliance with road safety laws.