I am certain it’s not about maniacal drivers, especially, Jeepneys that load and unload anytime, anywhere or cars that don’t signal at all.
Last week, we got into an accident because of a jeepney switching lanes without signaling. And of course, the driver blamed us when he was trying to move from his lane to ours. We knew that he didn’t have money to pay for the damages, so we just accepted his apology (for being reckless). It was hard to brush it off, though!
In relation to this, I am compiling these 8 simple manners we all should be mindful of to lessen road rage and accidents:
1. Signal when switching or changing lanes.
Signal, as the name implies, is used to send the right information to the car behind you that you are changing lanes. I agree with TopGear Philippines’ analysis of a Filipino driver: “selfish me-first attitude,” because it happens to us regularly.
The usual scenario is when we signal ahead of time, they gas up (so we can’t get in). Isn’t that frustrating?!
Is it really hard to flick the switch up or down?
2. Know what crosswalk means and Respect the Pedestrian Lanes
There are cities like San Juan, that follow this rule. An ordinance called Pedestrian Safety Ordinance of San Juan City was approved by the San Juan City Council last 2013. Motorists caught will be penalized.
While I appreciate your giving us traffic enforcers or people risking their own lives and act as a human shield for pedestrians to cross smoothly, wouldn’t it be awesome if all cities have an ordinance like this?
Pedestrians, on the other hand, MUST know WHERE and WHEN TO CROSS! I see people crossing anywhere, even if there’s a footbridge available for them.
It was built (and paid for) for a reason, so let’s utilize it!
3. Give way to the Village Homeowners
Due to the heavy traffic motorists endure every day, there are villages that allow vehicles to pass through to ease congestion. For example, Multinational Village and BF Homes.
While there’s nothing wrong going through these alternative routes, if you see a car turning into his village, slow down and let him pass. After all, that’s the main purpose of having speed bumps. (But, that’s just us, being defensive drivers)
4. NO to grid locking
Grid locking in the US is a major violation. You get a ticket as it is considered a moving violation, so you get a point on your driver’s license and your insurance goes up.
Clearly, in the Philippines, grid-locking is a sign of selfishness and foolishness.
Honestly, I really don’t get why they block the intersection when there’s no way out!
5. Fix your brake lights
While driving with proper distance is a mandatory rule, fixing your brake lights is extremely helpful. These lights are essential so you won’t get rear-ended.
Read related article: Netizen Shares Photo of a Truck Driving Along Coastal Road with a Broken Tail Lights
If I get paid for counting vehicles with broken brake lights or no brake lights at all, I’d be rich!!
6. Pull to the side if you need to answer a call or text someone.
Source: www.edmunds.com
Enough said.
7. Learn when to let cars merge
Sometimes, if not most of the time, when you let one car in, 5 cars try to get in also. Hence, let them merge one or two cars at a time. If there’s no car behind you, let them merge. Otherwise, go back to my no. 1 courtesy, which is to switch lanes appropriately.
Credit to Bryan R.
Usually, some drivers signal when they are already in the lane, which is absolutely rude.
Alternatively, if you are running late, you tend to be an aggressive driver. So, just try to leave home earlier.
8. Be mindful of your speed limit.
I am glad that there are rules now about the speed limit. Please see below:
Cavitex Minimum Speed 60kph
Maximum Speed For Cars 100kph
Maximum Speed For Trucks and Buses 80kph
North Luzon Expressway Minimum Speed 60kph
Maximum Speed For Cars 100kph
Maximum Speed For Trucks and Buses 80kph
Skyway Minimum Speed 60kph
Maximum Speed For Cars 100kph
Maximum Speed For Trucks and Buses 80kph
South Luzon Expressway Minimum Speed 60kph
Maximum Speed For Cars 100kph
Maximum Speed For Trucks and Buses 80kph
STAR Tollway Minimum Speed 60kph
Maximum Speed For Cars 100kph
Maximum Speed For Trucks and Buses 80kph
Subic-Clark-Tarac Expressway Minimum Speed 60kph
Maximum Speed 100kph
Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Minimum Speed 60kph
Maximum Speed 100kph
The speed limit at Macapagal Blvd is also observed.
However, there are still few who ignore this, especially, motorcycles! As a result, the number of reckless driving is increasing.
One thing is for sure, we are not all saints. But, we try to pick the lesser of two evils. There’s no easy way to go about it.
Everything will change, if everyone has the right attitude and discipline. In time, driving would be more fun in the Philippines.
Any road courtesy tips to share?
If you have experienced rude drivers, comment or share this article, maybe this will help raise road courtesy awareness in the Philippines!
What I learned from a local driving school, I re-learned from the Dept. of Motor Vehicle in the US.
Speed limits must also be implemented on main roads, secondary and inner roads. One reason why accidents happen is because everyone drives too fast, even in inner roads. In the US, there are speed limits on all roads. 10 mph (16kph) on inner roads, 20 mph (30kph) on secondary roads, 40mph (65kph) on major roads, and 55mph min (88kph) on highways.
With regards to merging, drivers must know the right of way rule on intersections and on roundabouts or rotundas.
One if the most important cause of heavy traffic is that DRIVERS DON’T KEEP INTERSECTIONS OPEN. The long areas of heavy traffic get wider and wider just because all intersections are blocked and nobody can move at all. In other countries there are big signs that say KEEP INTERSECTIONS OPEN and drivers who don’t do that are fined. The problems in the Philippines, traffic enforcers or police are not consistent in booking those drivers that don’t follow the rules. This is the reasons why drivers keep doing the wrong things.
Some good points but number 7 (cars merging) needs to be edited. If there are no cars behind you that means the people merging should wait for you to pass. Why try to merge when it isn’t safe? The merging cars only need to wait for one car to pass and then everyone can merge.