Tips Before You Start a Trip

Plan Ahead.

Before setting off, make sure you know in advance where you plan to go and what stops you will make on the way. Allow sufficient time. Make a checklist of what you need to bring.

Use Map.

Refer to the guide map which indicates all entrances and exits, toll service facilities and emergency call boxes. Doing this will help you have a safe, fast and pleasant journey.

Fitness Check for your vehicle:

It is very important to check the condition of your vehicle before you go.

• Check your fuel, water and oil.
• Make sure your vehicle headlights and signal lights are working.
• Check your tires. Tighten all tire bolts.
• Make sure a spare tire is available in case of a flat tire. Make sure that your jack and cross wrench are available.
• Check your batteries and make sure that the terminals are clean.
• Check your tools.

Also make sure that:

• Your clothing and footwear do not hamper you from using the controls in the correct manner.
• Your mirrors and seats are adjusted correctly to ensure comfort, full control and maximum vision.
• Head restraints are properly adjusted to reduce the risk of neck injuries in the event of a rear collision.

On your travel, make sure that all your doors are locked and that you and your passengers WEAR SEATBELTS at all times.

Fitness Check for the Driver:

Fatigue greatly increases your accident risk. To minimize risk:

• Do not go on a long trip (longer than an hour) if you feel tired.
• Avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6 a.m., when natural alertness is at a minimum.
• Plan your trip to make sufficient braks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.
• If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place such as a gasoline service station. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway, the hard shoulder is only for emerencies.
• The most effective ways to counter sleepiness is to take a short nap (up to 15 minutes). Fresh air, exercise or turning up the radio may also help.

Vision

You must be able to read a vehicle plate number from a distance of 20.5 meters (67 feet - about five car lengths) in good daylight. If you need to wear prescription glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you must wear them at all times while driving.

Alcohol:

Do not drink and drive as it will seriously affect your judgement and driving abilities.

• Alcohol gives a false sense of driving confidence.
• Alcohol reduces coordination and decreases reaction time.
• Alcohol affects judgement of speed distance and risk.
• Alcohol lingers in the body. You may be unfit to drive in the evening after drinking at lunchtime, or in the morning after drinking the previous evening.

If you are going to drink, don't drive.

Drugs:

Do not drive under the influence of drugs because this may greatly affect your alertness.

Source: NLEX Motorist's Handbook