How to Stay Safe on The Road?

Nowadays, drivers are becoming ill-tempered especially during traffic hours. News has been reporting road-related accidents such as a car crashed, a truck falls from Skyway, a driver has been killed through gunshot because of a road rage, etc. Recently, there has been an argument about the distracted driving law in our country. How can we be safe, it is a serious question!

Road-related injuries can be avoided if we obey the rules. Driver or not, please take note of the following:

Stay Safe On The Road

• Always follow the rules even if there are no authorities around
• Check your vehicle first before traveling
• Condition your mind and focus on driving
• Avoid tailgating
• Keep a safe speed and follow the speed limit
• Be alert, you might encounter a lousy driver
• No to “drink and drive”
• Avoid aggressive driving. Excuse me, you are not in a race!
• Stay calm in case you are involved in an accident
• Never let anger drives you especially if you are in an argument with a co-driver
• Everyone should buckle up
• Be extra careful, you know that you cannot afford to lose your life, your passengers, and other people around
• Stop driving if you are sleepy
• Install a technology such as a dashcam which records everything, you will thank it later.

I believe that driving is a huge responsibility. You are not only being responsible for the lives of your passengers but also the lives of other people. However, sad to say, there are many drivers that are irresponsible. With just a small mistake, lives can be endangered. It is one of my fear whenever I go outside and commute. Sometimes, I am worried if the driver is a licensed one and if he really passed the qualifications of being a driver. I think the driver profession is rampant in our country. This is maybe because of the taxi, Uber, and Grab are everywhere. In a way, they are providing comfort for commuters.  I know that it is not an easy job, in fact, driving is a noble job. Many people are relying on drivers. That is why if you are a driver, you need to be a reliable one.

Driving around the country is not easy, especially in the Metro. Most drivers will agree to me that it is a horror story every time they passed by EDSA. It is also important to be vigilant and be a defensive driver. Always expect the unexpected, make sure to pack some emergency stuff. If we will all follow the rules on the road, accidents will be lessened and we will be safe. We don’t own a car for now but we are in the middle of a discussion if we are going to buy or not. Yes, there are pros and cons, especially in the financial aspect. We don’t go out too often that is why we are not that eager to get a car. But, of course, we are familiar and willing to follow the laws of the Philippines when it comes to driving.