ST.

JOSEPH COLLEGE-OLONGAPO, INC

College Department

“Public Perception on the Preparedness of Philippine National Police

in their Immediate Response to Vehicular Accident”

Jan Jeffrey S. Maxion

Kimberly Racza
Yvonne Nicole Tecson
James Lois A. Manglicmot
Gerald Jay A. Silla
Ram Angelo F. Suico
Patrick S. Unay
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

One of the most prevalent road problems are vehicle accidents. Drivers might

experience car accidents at anytime, anyplace. Vehicular accidents happen daily which can

significantly change the life of a person. Accidents occur without warnings and sometimes

results to death. Every day, innocent victims are killed in unforeseen vehicular accidents. It

is important to note that anything on the road, even the weather and reckless driving can

cause an accident.

“Road traffic injuries are major yet often neglected public health issue. Deaths and

injuries from road crashes are preventable, and all sectors have roles to play in promoting

road safety. Together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), World Health

Organization (WHO) is committed to working with all concerned agencies and organizations

that share the vision of safer roads for everyone.” (De Jesus, 2023)

Vehicle accidents can cause slow movement of traffic that may lead to

inconvenience to other drivers, especially to commuters and students who need to be at

work and school on time. Vehicle accidents cannot always be considered as an accident

but rather a collision, because an accident is an undesirable and unexpected event without

apparent cause.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) officers are responsible for providing immediate

assistance to injured parties when there is a sudden vehicular accident. The police officers

will gather information about the incident, including statements from witnesses, parties

involved, and any available evidence. This information is crucial for accident investigation

and determining liability. The police officers may also conduct such preparations regarding
to immediate response to vehicular accident and use technologies so that they will be able

to easily communicate with each other, to secure and prevent such kind of accidents.

According to the latest WHO data published in 2020 Road Traffic Accidents Deaths

in Philippines reached 13,017 or 1.93% of total deaths. The age adjusted Death Rate is

13.42 per 100,000 of population ranks Philippines #109 in the world. Road traffic accidents

was the 14th leading cause of death in the Philippines in life expectancy but ranks second

in non-disease-caused deaths next to assault.

There is a high rate of road and vehicular accidents in the country. Olongapo City

roads are increasingly becoming crowded with an overwhelming number of both motorized

vehicles and pedestrians who must share the roadways. Many people were involved in car

accidents, some of them went through life threatening experiences which may have left

unwanted memories and feelings to the individuals involved.

According to Srilatha et al. (2020), accident prediction is one of the most important

aspects of road safety, whereby an accident can be anticipated before it actually happens,

and precautionary measures taken to prevent it. Asor et al. (2018) analyzed the data from

road accidents to reveal new trends that can be used as precautionary measure to at least

minimize the yearly accident. Lastly, Parvareh et al. (2018) ascertained that road traffic

accidents would be an increase in the number of accidents occurring in the future.

There are numerous studies that investigate different aspects of vehicular accidents,

including those that analyzes the factors affecting road traffic accidents (Rodriguez et al.,

2021), study on coping mechanisms among victims of vehicular accidents (Aguirre et al.,

2015) and factors that influence severity of road traffic injuries involving pedestrians

(Verzosa & Miles, 2016). However, this study focuses on the perception of public regarding

the immediate response of police officers in the vehicular accidents, only few studies have

looked at this topic. This study fills the gap through conducting a survey in Barangay

Barretto, Kalaklan and New Cabalan in Olongapo City, which is a prone area of vehicular

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accidents. In addition, in Kababae, New Ilalim and Pag-Asa, which have fewer accidents,

the researchers will be able to know the perception of the public.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to determine the public perception on the preparedness of PNP in

their immediate response to vehicular accident in Barangay Barretto, Kalaklan, New

Cabalan, Kababae, New Ilalim and Pag-Asa in Olongapo City.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of respondents in terms of:

1.1 age;

1.2 gender;

1.3 civil status;

1.4 respondent’s residence;

1.5 years of residency:

2. What are the perceptions of public to the response of police officers for immediate

assistance in terms of vehicular accidents in Olongapo City?

3. Is there a significant difference in the perceptions of the public and the

responsibilities of police officers when there is a vehicular accident?

4. How does media influence the perception of the public towards the immediate

response of the PNP on vehicular accidents?

5. How does the perception of respondents who live in accident-prone areas differ to

those who have lived in areas with no accidents for the last year regarding the

response of police to vehicular accident?

6. How does the general public's perception on the preparation of the police officers

change as a result of their knowledge of how serious the conditions are in the event

of a vehicle accident?

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 Conceptual Framework

Independent Variables

1. Demographic profile of the

respondents in terms of:

1.1 age;
1.2 gender;
1.3 civil status; Dependent Variables
1.4 respondent’s residence;
1.5 years of residency:

2. Preparedness for immediate

response of PNP when there is a Favorable impression of
public to police officers'
vehicular accident.
capabilities.
3. Public trust in social media.
4. Awareness of public to PNP duties
Public trust to PNP officers.
and responsibilities on road accident.
5. Continuous provision of police
information on social media about
vehicular accidents, public safety, and
tips.

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

The conceptual paradigm of the study is shown in Figure 1. Moreover, the study

shows its conceptual framework through the use of independent variables and dependent

variables. The independent variables contain the causes that influences the dependent

variables.

The figure shows that preparedness for the immediate response of the PNP when

there is a vehicular accident will have an impact on the public's favorable perception of

police officers' capabilities because when the police maintain promptness, speed, and plan

everything needs to be done, it will be accomplished properly and correctly, and the citizens
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who saw, whether actual or in social media, may have an impression on the police.

Regarding public trust in social media, it can play a significant role in shaping the public's

favorable impression of police officers' capabilities in preparing for vehicular accidents.

When used effectively, social media can enhance transparency, engagement, and

communication, ultimately fostering trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Transparency can build trust in the community and improve the perception of the public

towards police preparedness.

Awareness to PNP duties and responsibilities in road accidents can also affect public

trust in police officers. PNP can enhance public awareness of its roles and responsibilities

during road accidents, ultimately contributing to improved road safety and public confidence

in law enforcement agencies. According to the continuous provision of police information on

social media about vehicular accidents, public safety, and tips, and posting regular updates

on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even TikTok, if

applicable, consistency is key to keeping the public informed and engaged. By consistently

providing valuable information and engaging with the public on social media, police

departments can effectively raise awareness about vehicular accidents, promote public

safety, and build trust within the community that can affect the two dependent variables

also, it is a good way to battle against fake news which is rampant in the society.

Hypotheses

From the problem stated above, the following hypotheses were formulated:

 There is no significant connection between the demographic profile of the respondents

and their perception on the PNP Preparedness in Vehicular accidents.

 There is a significant connection between the response of police officers for immediate

assistance in terms of vehicular accidents to the perception of the public towards them

for it affects public trust.

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 There is no significant relationship between the perception of the public and the

responsibilities of the police officers when there is a vehicular accident.

 There is a significant connection between the media and the perception of the public to

police officers for it plays a huge contribution in dissemination of information.

 There is a significant relationship between the area where the respondents lived and the

perception they have towards the PNP preparedness for they are the one’s who witness

the accidents.

 There is no significant relationship between the general public's perception on the

preparation of the police officers and their knowledge of how serious the conditions are

in the event of a vehicle accident.

Significance of the Study

This study is vital to the following sectors in the fulfillment of this research endeavor:

 Community - this study sheds light to the public through additional information

regarding the misconceptions on the PNP by the public in their efficiency on immediate

response to vehicular accidents.

 Barangay Council - this study will serve as a basis for the barangay force plans and

strategies in collaboration with the PNP in terms of their immediate assistance to

vehicular accidents and proper dissemination of information.

 Police officers - the study will help provide the PNP a deeper view of the state or level

of their preparedness based on public perception which will result in a better

understanding on the lacking’s on their part when it comes to the services they provide

and moreover, to identify measures to be conducted in order to improve public trust and

quality service.

 Researchers – The researchers of this study will also benefit from the outcome of this

study pertaining to the perception of the public towards the immediate response of the

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 police personnel to vehicular accident as they will analyze and observe the current

reputation that the police have as their probable future field of profession someday.

 Future researchers - the study will serve as a reference to help future researchers in

conducting similar studies and add information on what is lacking on this study and on

theirs.

 Local Government Unit – this study can enhance their joint response to vehicular

accidents improving public safety. The local government officials may draft a policy

development program in improving the response of police officers in vehicular accident

by taking consideration the further result of this study.

 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – this study will help the agency to

improve their emergency preparedness, strengthen community engagement, allocate

resources effectively, and advocate for policies that improve emergency response and

overall disaster resilience within their communities.

 Department of Health – this study will help the DOH to enhance emergency medical

services, improve coordination with law enforcement agencies, and ultimately ensure

the safety and well-being of accident victims in Olongapo City.

 Traffic Management Center- the result of this study will be useful also to the traffic

management center in their campaign on road safety and formulating plans to enforce,

educate, improve and prevent vehicular accidents in Olongapo City.

Scope and Delimitation

The focus of the study is to assess the perception of the public regarding the

preparedness of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in their immediate response to

vehicular accidents in Olongapo City, specifically respondents ages from 21-40 years old

residing in Barangay Barreto, Kalaklan, New Cabalan, Kababae, New Ilalim and Pag-Asa.

This study also focuses on the different factors affecting the perception of the people

towards the police officers in responding to vehicular accidents. The researchers aim to

conduct and gather data from the residents of Barangay Barretto, Kalaklan, New Cabalan,

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Kababae, New Ilalim and Pag-Asa in Olongapo City with a total of 378 respondents,

consisting of 63 individuals per barangay.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are further defined either operationally or conceptually:

Allocate – It refers to apportion for specific purpose or to particular persons or things.

Misconception. It is a view or opinion that is incorrect because based on faulty thinking or

understanding.

Perception. It is a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something.

Precautionary. It is intended to prevent something unpleasant or dangerous from

happening.

Prevalent. It refers to a widespread in a particular area or at a particular time.

Promptness- it is to respond without delay or hesitation.

Severity- it refers the fact or condition of being severe.

References:

Aguirre et al., (2015) A Study on the Coping Mechanisms Among Selected Victims ff
Vehicular Accidents of Mariwasa Siam Ceramics. LPU Laguna Journal of Arts and
Sciences Psychological Research Vol. 2 No.2

Asor, J. R., G. M. B. Catedrilla, and J. E. Estrada (2018) A study on the road accidents
using data investigation and visualization in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. 2018
International Conference on Information and Communications Technology
(ICOIACT), pp. 96-101.

De Jesus, R.P. (2023) Department of Transportation, World Health Organization launch

Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028. Available at: https://goo.by/Gxwsrh

Parvareh et al. (2018) Assessment and prediction of road accident injuries trend using
time-series models in Kurdistan. Burn Trauma, vol. 6, no. 9

Rodriguez et al., (2021) Analysis of Factors Affecting Road Traffic Accidents in the City of
Makati Philippines. Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial
Engineering and Operations Management Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Srilatha, N. Vamshi, R. Aniruth, P. Narendar, and C. Hareesh (2020) Automatic Accident

Avoidance and Detection System using LabVIEW. International Journal of Advanced
Trends in Computer Science and Engineering, vol. 9 no. 4, pp. 5314-5319

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World Health Organization (2020) World Health Rankings, Philippines: Road Traffic
Accidents. Available at: https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/philippines-road-traffic-
accidents

Versoza and Miles (2016) Severity of Road Crashes Involving Pedestrians in Metro Manila,
Philippines. Florida State University Libraries