If Shakespeare Could Talk, Then These Should Be a Driver's New Year's Resolution

It's easy to drive a car. All you need to know is how to start the engine, use the clutch, brakes, and accelerator, and drive the steering wheel. They can all be learned in an hour--or at most, within the day.

However, when it comes to being a good driver on the road, then that's when things can get a little complicated. Blame it on ignorance, impatience, or your distracting passenger who likes to sing off-key. Whatever it is, even that eight year old kid next door looks like he knows what he's doing better than you.

Or at the very least, you want to trade-in your SUV for his bicycle.

So yes, it's time to make some changes soon. And now that the new year is about to start, we'd like to suggest some of resolutions you could commit to do during the coming year.

Think of them like Shakesperean sonnets: they're easy to understand, but hard to memorize at first. And like driving, it takes a while before you get the hang of them.

1. I promiseth to driveth using the right tireth pressure

Tire pressure -- yes, it's a boring concept. And using the correct one can be a hassle sometimes. Still, it's important to do, especially since an under- or over- inflated tire not only wears out faster, but also increases your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.

What's more, they can lead to accidents, because they cause handling and maneuverability problems on the road.

2. I promiseth to crisp (clean) mine own (my) car oft (often)

Yes, we all have our moments--moments when sleeping looks like a better option than cleaning it; moments when we're tempted to go to the mall instead of doing this "inconvenient" chore; moments when the sofa and remote looks way better than a sponge and a bucket.

Still, it's something that needs to be done. A dirty car not only looks bad, but the dirt can actually damage your car paint over time.

Besides, you couldn't impress your date with a car that looks like it just came from a junk shop--unless they own a junk shop. 

3. I promiseth to useth the c'rrect (correct) seating position at each moment

You may not be aware of this, but that stiff neck and backache that you've been harboring for years might be attributed to one simple problem: wrong seating position.

Think of it this way: we spend almost a quarter (or even half) of our entire days inside our cars. This is especially true in the Philippines, where traffic can keep you waiting in a suspended state of ineptitude.

If you're a driver, then you can probably understand the stress that this brings to your body and mind. One easy way to prevent this from happening is to use the correct seating position when you're behind the wheel.

It takes a whole article to discuss this, so we'll just give you the basics when you're on the driver's seat:

• Make sure your knees are slightly bent, and your legs and pelvis have a lot of room to move about.
• Tilt the seat so that it supports your entire bottom and thighs evenly.
• Recline the back between 100-110 degrees.
• Use lumbar support so that the curve of your spine is evenly supported.
• Raise your seat up until your hips are in line with your knees.

You can learn more about it here .

4. I promiseth not to driveth 'rratically (erratically)

Driving erratically can mean many things, such as not maintaining a steady speed, weaving in and out of traffic like a maniac, or drifting from side to side in a lane. This practice can be dangerous to other drivers because they won't be able to predict the driver's movement.

When this happens, then it's just a matter of time before accidents occur on the road.

5. I promiseth to saveth gas.

Gas expenses can add up fast, especially if you use your vehicle every day. And while we can't control gas prices, we can control how we consume gas in our vehicles. Here are some ways:

• Avoid tailgating.
• Don't idle your car for more than a minute.
• Don't drive erratically (more on number 4).
• Don't use gasoline with a lot of ethanol in them.
• Don't over-inflate or under-inflate your tires (more on number 1).
• Don't coast around.
• Don't make sudden starts and stops.
• Don't overload your vehicle.

You can learn more about these tips here.

5. I promiseth to beest (be) a patient driv'r (driver)

It's easy to lose your patience when you're driving in the Philippines. This is especially true in Metro Manila, where bumper-to-bumper traffic seems to be an integrated part of the urban landscape.

It's for this reason why it's important to control your temper when it's starting to go up. Because at the end of the day, losing your patience over something as trivial as getting cut by a driver isn't worth ruining your entire day.

Final W'rd (Word)

Shakespeare once wrote in his masterpiece, Julius Caesar: "The fault, dear Brutus, lies not within the stars, but in ourselves." It's an apt quote for all of us, since it's easy to make up alibis when we make mistakes in driving.

Yes, we're not perfect, but we can at least do our best to be one. After all, it's easy to drive a car; what's way harder is to be good drivers on the road--especially when you're in the Philippines.

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