New Year's resolutions for Filipino drivers

The year 2015 is upon us and we feel that we should have a some New Year's resolutions for driving in the Philippines. Turning a new annual leaf, Carmudi Philippines has listed some of the worst driving habits that should stay in 2014 and some of the good practices which should enter 2015 with us. Below are our New Year's resolutions for Filipino drivers this 2015.

Yield to pedestrians and cyclists

The road is for everyone- not only for vehicle users but for cyclists and pedestrians as well. Develop the habit of giving way to pedestrians and cyclist when they are crossing the road. Blow your horn to warn them that you may hit them, and are not simply expressing your distress or anger.

Perform at least two checkups this year

Maintaining your car and keeping it in top condition is a car owner’s responsibility. For the year 2015, make sure you do at least two checkups and have your car regularly cleaned. During the first quarter of the year, it is advisable that you change your oil, especially if it has traveled at least 8,000 kilometers in the past year.

Put your seat belt on

Whether you are travelling on highways or just around your neighborhood streets, make sure to buckle up. Putting on your seat belt properly could reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 45 percent for front passengers and by to 50 percent against moderate-to-critical injury, according to the Injury Facts of 2014. So the next time you gun your engine, remember to first put on your seat belt before stepping on the pedals.

No talking or texting while driving

Texting and talking while driving are two of the worst driving practices that Filipino's just won't forget. While multi-tasking is be a much appreciated skill in the workplace, it has fewer applications on the road. According to recent studies, distracted driving (which includes using your phones while driving) is the reason behind 1 out of every 10 road accidents in the country. If you have some extra dough, you may want to install a Bluetooth-abled information console that allows hands-free phone calls.

Never drink and drive

Drink driving is a sure-fire recipe for any road accident. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol usually have blurred vision and poor judgement. If you have a few drinks too many, ask someone (a friend or relative) to drive you home. Not only could it save your life, but it could also save the life of another person who might be involved in the incident, say a pedestrian crossing the road.

Be more fuel efficient

The inefficient use of fuel not only hurts your pocket, but it also affects the environment. Greater carbon emissions mean worsening pollution levels. Practice some of the simple tips to lower your fuel consumption so that you not only save a few bucks, but also lessen the effects of global warming. Monitor your fuel consumption on a regular basis and if its efficiency suddenly drops, it may mean that there is an unseen problem in your engine. If this happens, let a mechanic check your car, especially if it is a few years old.

Follow the speed limit

Road speed limits are not just there as a reminder; there is often logic behind them. Curvy roads which have a lot of twists and turns, for example, have many blind spots and going fast while turning a corner could spell disaster. Do not take speed limits as a suggestion but as a rule that should be followed for your safety.

Reduce switching lanes

It is downright annoying when a car just keeps switching lanes. However, it is a practice that most car drivers are guilty of. When caught up in traffic, don’t get into a new lane simply because it is one car length empty. Performing this maneuver could also cause problems for the vehicle behind you.

Get rid of road rage

Getting mad while behind the steering wheel, even in the smallest cases (such as cursing), is an indication of your character as a driver. While you may be the guilty party, staying calm and not letting stress get the best of you is far more rewarding than letting your senses run wild. We have seen many cases of such situations, such as the road rage involving an SUV and a taxi in EDSA, which even led to a gun totting incident.

Properly park your car

While parking spaces are very scarce, especially in the business districts of Metro Manila such as Makati and Taguig, this should not stop you from parking your car in designated areas. Using the pedestrian lane is an obvious no-no, but some vehicle users do forgot. Not everyone drives a car, but at some point everyone has been a pedestrian. So the next time you are planning to park your car for a prolonged period, think of the people who may experience discomfort from your act. Also, do not park in spaces intended for a handicapped person if you are not one.