t’s summer time once again. Along with the heat wave, ice cream and parade of beach babes, it’s also the time to stretch the legs of those cars. Of course, being stuck in perennial everyday Manila traffic means that going back to patches of open road will entail some preparation to both man and machine. Here are some practical tips and tricks that will keep your travel safe and trouble-free.
Prevention is the best medicine. Proper preparation can help you avoid many problems that you may encounter while driving and will prevent you from getting stranded or worse, involved in an accident. Before a trip, you should inspect your vehicle. Ensure all the fluids are at proper levels; safety equipment (turn signals, mirrors, brakes, seatbelts, etc) is in working order; tool kit is complete; and the tires are in good condition, have adequate tread, and are properly inflated (you can check the details in your vehicle owner’s manual, which is best brought at all times). Clean the windshield, windows and headlights as needed. Also, bring a supply of water regardless of the time of year. A good pair of gloves is indispensable as well.
Research your travel route and destination. Remember to check your travel route, road conditions and weather forecast before you begin your trip. Check periodicals and radio updates for road conditions and allow time to compensate for circumstances such as construction delays and heavy traffic. Check weather forecasts and familiarize yourself with your travel route. More importantly, become familiar with the limitations and performance of your vehicle. For instance, a compact car handles differently from a sport utility vehicle—don’t mistake one for the other. Anti-lock brakes or ABS perform differently with standard brakes; again it’s best to check the vehicle owner’s manual for more information.
Be careful on low-traction surfaces. Most people associate low-traction associations with heavy rain or even snow. However, other conditions such as gravel, mud or basically anything that comes between the tire of your vehicle and the surface of the road reduces available traction. When low traction becomes a concern, decrease your speed to adjust to road conditions. Do not brake or turn your vehicle suddenly. Typically, if you start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator (if your vehicle is rear-wheel drive) and steer in the direction of the skid. Let the car slow down without braking. Once traction is established, steer the vehicle in the desired direction and slowly apply pressure to the accelerator to establish the correct speed for the road conditions.
Hydroplaning must be treated differently from other low-traction driving conditions. Hydroplaning occurs when a film of water causes tires to lose contact with the road surface and is not dependent on high-speeds and large amounts of water. The correct reaction for loss of traction due to hydroplaning is different from the response to other types of traction loss. If you experience hydroplaning, slowly decrease pressure on the accelerator, steer the vehicle in the direction of travel and let the vehicle regain traction from deceleration. Firmly grip the steering wheel because the vehicle may swerve when it regains traction. Once traction is regained, steer the vehicle in the desired direction.
Adjust your driving to the road conditions. The goal of defensive driving is accident prevention. However, defensive driving doesn’t mean swerving or braking to avoid a collision. The use of defensive maneuvers, while sometimes unavoidable, can usually be prevented by scanning ahead, behind and to the sides of your vehicle anticipating potential problems; forecasting the appropriate defense; and using that defense if needed. You may not have control over outside factors, but you are in control of your speed and following distance. Adjust your speed for weather conditions, traffic density, or the likelihood that someone of something could dash out in front of your vehicle (dogs, pedestrians, etc.). The recommended interval for your following distance is one car length for every 15 km/h of speed. Driving conditions, of course, may dictate an additional decrease in speed and an increase in the following distance.
Fatigue can kill you. Begin your journey with a good’s night sleep and a healthy meal, avoiding fatty and sugary stuff. Drink lots of water or soft drinks low in caffeine and sugar, since sugar and caffeine may promote short-term alertness, but increase drowsiness over longer periods of time. Avoid driving during late hours and early mornings, which are the body’s natural sleep times; and set realistic travel goals about the time it will take you to reach your destination. Keep the inside of your vehicle at a cool temperature and make it a point to converse rather than just listen to music. The discussion format will help you keep alert. Take regular breaks; stop every two hours to stretch and if there’s more than one driver in the group make it a point to share in the driving, even if you don’t feel tired. If fatigue does set in, stop at an appropriate area and rest.
Night-time driving entails a different set of rules. At night, when most drivers are fatigued and the road conditions not as visible as day time, a lot of accidents happen. Make sure to decrease your speed and increase your following distance. The average car will stop in 60 meters at 90 km/h, and the average path of illumination for headlights in the bright setting is 60 meters—not much time to react to an obstacle. You can dim the dashboard lights to help prevent eye fatigue and improve you night vision.
Be alert and wary of aggressive drivers. If you see someone frequently changing lanes or right at your rear bumper, flashes his lights in your rear view mirror, he’s an aggressive driver. Do not engage these people. Do not retaliate or provoke them. Aggressive driving can lead to road rage; don’t get caught up in it.
Stay focused on driving. Distractions come in many forms—radio, mobile phone, scenery or just letting your mind wander. Stay focused on driving. One of the best methods is to constantly scan the road ahead of you and to the rear and sides. Remain alert. If your mind is wandering, maybe it’s time for a short break.
Don’t drink and drive. It has been said once, but it’s best to say it again. Do not take alcoholic drinks or drugs known to cause drowsy conditions before a long trip. Your alert level and reaction times will be severely impaired once some of these substances enter your system.
If you’re involved in an emergency…despite being cautious and prepared, sometimes accidents or breakdowns do happen. If you are involved in these emergency situations, driving off the road onto the shoulder or as far off the road as soon as you can as safely as possible. Set up your Early Warning Device (EWD) so that they are visible to oncoming traffic and identify your presence. Make your notifications to a friend nearby or to the local authorities. Provide information that may help them locate you such as the road you’re traveling, direction of travel, approximate distance from the closest city and the mileage marker if you know it. If a tow truck is needed, let it recover your vehicle. You might increase the amount of damage by trying to free the vehicle by yourself.
Following these tips will ensure that you will arrive at your destination in one piece, whether it may be in the far reaches north or south. You don’t have to worry about your family’s safety once you hit the open road. In fact, the only thing left to think about is what pasalubong to bring home to your folks or your mother-in-law.
By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang
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