BENGUET, Philippines – A coffin placed on the side of the Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road in the Ambuklao Area is currently trending on social media as a warning to motorists.

According to the barangay official of Barangay Ambuklao, they did not place it to intimidate, offend or disrespect people, but rather as a reminder to motorists to take care of their lives while driving on the zigzag Ambuklao Road.

They also said that motorists should take the importance of road safety seriously, as many have been reported to have accidents along the zigzag Ambuklao Road due to reckless driving

““Paalala: Mr Driver, ang mamatay o mabuhay ng dahil sa iyo.INGATAN ang NAGIISANG BUHAY, MAGMANIHO NG MAHUSAY.” Ito ang nakalagay na pahayag sa ilalim ng kabaong. (Reminder: Mr. Driver, death or life is up to you. TAKE CARE OF YOUR ONLY LIFE, DRIVE WELL.” This is the message written under the coffin.)

Barangay officials urge motorists to think carefully before speeding or driving carelessly on the region’s winding mountain highways, as the best trip is one that ends safely and drives as if someone is waiting for you at home.

The 103-kilometer zigzag highway called Ambuklao Road (part of the Benguet–Nueva Vizcaya Road) an alternate route from Baguio City to Nueva Vizcaya, with an estimated travel time of more or less three hours was built in 2006 at a cost of ₱2.1 billion.

Ambuklao Road is one of six historic major highways in and out of Baguio City, the last of which was the Baguio-Nangalisan,Tuba -La Union Road. These routes have evolved from being the main access road in the province to a major corridor in the region.