Holy Week driving tips to keep you safe and sane

HOLY Week is here once again, and as is tradition for Filipinos, this means a road trip to the province for a much needed R&R or simply a getaway vacation for the family and a change of scenery.

Here are some tips to improve your safety, comfort and convenience.

1. Ensure that your car is in tip-top condition
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your car serviced, go for a simple tune-up and change-oil before you hit the road. Check the fluid levels of your coolant to prevent over-heating, brakes so you get good stopping power, power-steering and clutch fluids so your steering wheel and clutch pedal are light, easy and responsive.

You should also have your aircon serviced as the summer heat is intense this year and usually peaks during Holy Week. If the service technician says any part or component needs changing, do it before that long trip. It’s not fun for the aircon to break down on the highway.

If major work needs to be done on your vehicle, it will be safer to postpone your trip, or use another vehicle. Aside from inconveniencing yourself, you might inconvenience others on the road if your vehicle breaks-down.

If you also can’t remember the last time you had a 4-wheel alignment done on your car, get that done too. If the technician recommends to have your tires rotated or replaced, do it. The technician will also spot any suspension-component related problems while checking underneath your car.

Lastly, have the tires filled up to the minimum correct tire pressure setting recommended by the car manufacturer or tire manufacturer. The correct settings can be found on the door jamb/sill of the driver’s door or the gas tank flap for most cars. If you will be driving close to the vehicle’s recommended capacity, air up the tires to the maximum recommended tire pressure setting to allow the tires to carry more weight especially at high speeds.

Check the spare tire too. Also check your car battery’s condition. If it’s pushing two years old, especially for smaller batteries that power today’s B-segment vehicles, there’s a good chance that it’s on its last legs. Have a battery shop check it, charge it if applicable, or replace it completely.

2. Have your complete vehicle registration paperwork on hand
In an effort to improve security and convenience, the Philippine National Police usually sets up security check-points on major thoroughfares. Those manning the check-points can sometimes ask to see your vehicle’s registration. Put the papers in an envelope or plastic jacket so it’s easy for them to check and browse.
If you don’t have these with you, you will get delayed at every check-point.
3. Make sure your car has everything that’s needed
From the hand tools, the vehicle jack, early-warning device and a properly functioning, properly inflated spare tire, make sure you have everything that’s needed even before you set off.
Fill-up your gas tank as well, because traffic situations can be iffy and you don’t know when you’ll see a gas station. A big beach or golf umbrella is useful, plus a big old towel to use as a mat. Some workman’s gloves and an old set of clothes are also a good idea in case you need to perform some basic work on the side of the road like changing the tires.

Some cash for emergency funds is also important as some areas do not accept credit card payment or an ATM might not be available. A mobile phone car charger is also very handy to bring.
4. Get a good night’s sleep
A minimum of eight hours of sleep is recommended if you’ll be driving the whole day. This is crucial as it keeps your mind sharp, senses keen, and reflexes cat-like. If you feel sleepy, pull over at the nearest, safest stop to take a power nap. Or switch with a substitute driver who knows the way as well.
5. Wear comfortable clothing
It’s a good idea to wear loose pants or shorts, a thin cotton T-shirt or dry-fit shirt, good driving shoes or rubber shoes. For women, avoid wearing heels, pumps, wedges or platform shoes especially if you are driving as these can cause the floor mats to wedge underneath the pedals, hampering vehicle responsiveness and safety.
Sunglasses are also a good idea so your eyes don’t get tired.
6. Plan your trip
Ideally, you should map out your trip well in advance, especially if you will be driving in convoy. Discuss your planned route, identify the major thoroughfares you plan to pass by, list them on paper or ideally, maps, and highlight rest stops along the way.

This is handy because in case your convoy gets stretched and other drivers fall back, there are designated areas where you can stop and wait while the other convoy drivers catch up, rather than parking on the side of the road which is dangerous as you can be an impediment to traffic.

7. Load-up your mobile smart phone, pack a map
Download useful navigation and traffic notification apps like Waze or the MMDA app to help you avoid traffic, find alternative routes, or know places where to stop. Having said this, a road map or road book can also be useful in areas where GPS mapping in not available.

Even if you don’t have a smartphone, load up your phone book with the emergency response hotlines of the PNP, SLEX, NLEX, Skyway, SCTEX, TPLEX, STAR Toll and CAVITEX, and others.

8. Make frequent stops, keep hydrated
It’s a good idea to stop every two hours to relieve yourself, stretch your legs and grab a drink or some food to avoid fatigue and drowsiness. At dusk, when the light conditions are changing, you should also stop to allow your eyes to adjust slowly to the changing conditions. It’s also a good idea to replace drivers every time you stop.
9. Pack some light snacks
Biscuits, some water or energy drink should be adequate to keep you energized and hydrated. Pack a small trash bag too to dump your waste. A clean car makes for a more refreshing, relaxing journey.
10. Bring some OTC medication and your prescription medicines inside the car
Before you set off, make sure you have your complete prescription medication and some basic over-the-counter drugs inside the car. A first-aid kit will be a handy addition as well.
The whole point of preparing for a whole trip is to minimize risks and danger, and improve convenience and safety. It’s a romantic idea to just drive off into the sunset without a care in the world, but reality is very much different. As the good doctor always says, an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.