Pinoy Driver

How Age Affects Driving

Posted on March 22, 2015

As the overall population gets older, there will be more older drivers on our roads. And driving patterns change as people get older. Variation from their usual activities after retirement is one of the biggest factors that affect their driving – retired drivers won’t be commuting to work by car.

With age comes a gradual degradation of sight, hearing, reaction time and cognitive function, plus an increase in the likelihood of certain health conditions and medications that could affect the way they drive.

Although older people drive safer than younger ones because they are more experienced and are less aggressive (click here to read more). Older people are more susceptible to injuries than younger ones, and so, they are often hurt more severely when involved in a crash.

Driving is a complex task

Driving is an intricate task. It demands attention on the road, other cars, road and traffic signs, and pedestrians; it requires people to hear and see clearly, and to react quickly to different traffic situations.

Common faults in driving

It’s normal for people to have deterioration in their physical abilities as they grow older. And although in general they are  safer drivers (read full article here), this makes them more susceptible in certain situations such as changing lanes or making turns.

Here are common faults older drivers make:

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  • failure to stay within speed limit
  • failure to stay in lane
  • failure to yield the right of way
  • failure to stop completely at a stop sign
  • failure in judgement when turning in traffic

Driving faults could result into crashes, injuries, and even death. The risk of road crashes increases with age. Studies reveal that older drivers are more likely to get involved in a crash, especially after the age of 75. (Read more here)

Older drivers are are more susceptible

  • at intersections, and usually the struck vehicle
  • when they are merging with a faster vehicle (or when the other vehicle is in the blind spot)
  • at roundabouts

These common faults and susceptibility could be attributed to slower reflexes, vision impairment, and strained body part movements (click here to see more)

Safer drivers

It’s a good thing that fatal crash rates amongst older drivers 65 and over has decreased in recent years. Although the study doesn’t point out the factors that caused the decline, it is suggested that it’s probably due to safer cars and better health in general. (read more here)

Because they are more susceptible to serious injuries and death in a crash. But the good things is, with the advancement and progress of car and road safety schemes, they are now more like to survive a crash than in the past.

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Number Coding Scheme: Know the Exemptions

Posted on March 21, 2015

The number coding scheme which commonly mistaken as color coding scheme and is formally called as Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) is a system implemented by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with the goal to alleviate traffic in Metro Manila areas by reducing the number of vehicles on Metro Manila roads.

This scheme has prevented Filipino car owners from driving their cars at specific times and days, and has got many Filipino car owners’ eyebrows raised because it means they have to leave their car and use public transport. It’s essential to know for Metro Manila drivers.

The number coding scheme is effective from 7am to 7pm, and has window hours (the time frame when the number coding scheme is lifted off) from 10am to 3pm in most cities of Metro Manila.

The table below shows the last digits of plate numbers with the equivalent day when they are banned from driving through Metro Manila.

WeekdayLast digit of plate number
Monday1 & 2
Tuesday3 & 4
Wednesday5 & 6
Thursday7 & 8
Friday9 & 0

There are cities and places in the Metro that have differences in the number coding scheme such as the following:

  • Pasig city window hours are from 9am to 4pm
  • Las Piñas and Makati don’t have window hours
  • Major roads with overlapping cities: EDSA, C5, Roxas Boulevard, and Diosdado Macapagal Avenue follow the 10am-3pm window hours no matter which city are you in.
  • Parañaque city has no window hours except on the following roads:
  1. East Service Road from Dr. Santos Avenue up to FTI Parañaque
  2. West Service Road from Dr. Santos Avenue up to Merville Park Subdivision
  3. Barangay Moonwalk: E. Rodriguez Street
  4. Barangay Don Bosco: Doña Soledad Avenue and Extension
  5. Barangay Don Bosco: President Aguinaldo Street, Japan Street, San Antonio Street, Japan Street, Michael Rua Street, and France Street
  • Marikina and Muntinlupa city does not observe the number coding scheme
  • Taguig City does not observe the number coding scheme except on its national main roads on its borders, i.e. East Service Road, C5, and Manuel L. Quezon
  • Exempted roads in Pasay city are: MIA road, Domestic road, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Airport road, Sales road, and some portions of Buendia.

Exemption to the rule

There are cases which would immune one from the number coding scheme such as the following:

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  • Vehicles who carry a passenger who require immediate medical attention
  • Doctors and medical personnel could also apply for this exemption
  • In Makati, senior citizens who have BLU cards with granted exemption
  • Motorcycles are exempted to this scheme

Note:

  1. All public utility buses are now under the number coding scheme.
  2. Truck-ban conduct passes granted in accordance with MMDA regulation numbers 96-005 and 98-006-A; and MMDA regulation 10-001 shall not include the authority to use EDSA.
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How to Drive Safely on Expressways

Posted on March 21, 2015

Expressways here in the Philippines: North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), being the two most prominent are the most convenient way of getting to the northern and southern parts of Luzon via car.

Many drivers, especially novice ones, worry about driving on an expressway. But actually expressways are safer than the usual roads, despite being faster because the opposing lanes are separated. Events unfold more quickly than the usual highways and that’s why the importance of safe driving on the expressway shouldn’t be overlooked.

Here are tips to help you drive safely on expressways

Have your vehicle checked

Make sure to check the condition of your vehicle before hitting the high-speed-highway. Inspect the status of the cooling water, engine oil, brakes, tires and a spare tire, and petrol to prevent vehicle breakdowns that could cause an accident or an unplanned stop-over.

If you plan to carry equipment like bicycles, surfboards, etc. make sure that they are properly strapped in place to prevent them from falling.

If you plan to use the expressway for a long car drive as many drivers do, then it’s wise to plan your stops and places to rest ahead before you go.

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Keep looking ahead

Many drivers get involved in crashes because they fail to look ahead. Remember that expressways are faster than the usual roads and you would have covered a great distance in just a sneeze. Make sure your are aware of what’s happening on the road ahead especially when you’re looking to the mirrors or glancing quickly behind.

Accelerate fast

Be sure to signal your intentions before entering the expressway. Look for a gap in the traffic where you will merge and accelerate briskly upon entering to match your speed with theirs so you don’t become a hindrance to other vehicles and slow them down.

Keep a safe distance   

Safe distance varies and depends upon the road and weather conditions. Keep enough distance between you and the vehicle you are trailing to allow you enough time to stop, especially abruptly. A good guideline is keeping two seconds between your vehicle and the car in front. This distance will then increase with the speed you are travelling, but will give you enough time to stop if the vehicle in front stops, and also provides a space for other vehicles to pull in front of you if they need to use your lane.

Increase your following distances in wet weather as it will take you longer to stop due to reduced friction on the road.

Be ready for toll fees

If you’re using the expressway, then you have to bring some cash with you to pay for the toll fees. You can see the toll fee rates in the Epass website, for SLEx; and Tollways Management Corporation website, for NLEx; and the Toll Regulatory Board website, for all the expressways in the country.

Blown tire

If your tire blew all of a sudden while driving on an expressway do not hit the brake immediately. It would be highly dangerous to do so as you’ll lose even more control over the vehicle. Expect the steering wheels to jerk to one side when a tire suddenly loses air. Grip the steering wheel as firm as you can and release the accelerator as fast as you can to gradually lose speed. Use te gears to slow down. Once you are down to 20km/h or less it will be safer to use the brakes without fear of spinning out. Aim to get to the road edge and park your car in a safe position. If there is a lot of traffic passing closely by, get out of the passenger side as it’s safer.

Have a rest

Driving could be a tiring task especially if it’s a long-drive. It’s a great idea to rest for 10 minutes every 2 hours, even when you don’t feel tired. This way you could stretch those cramped up legs and arms, and also check your vehicle’s load at the same time.

Upon your exit

Always pay attention to road exit signs in an expressway. Change lane at least 1km before your desired exit point and don’t forget to reduce your speed when approaching the exit. It will be hard to estimate your speed so don’t rely on your senses alone —check the speedometer instead.

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9 Tips to Help You Stay Awake for Your Long Drive

Posted on March 19, 2015

Staying awake during a long car drive isn’t easy especially at night after a long and tiring day. Many of us overlook this potent natural biological force that can outdo even the best drivers. Being unprepared poses a serious threat to you and to other road users. So before you head out for a long drive make sure that drowsiness won’t overtake you. Here are tips to battle sleepiness during a long drive.

Keep properly hydrated 

refreshment

One of the symptoms of dehydration is drowsiness so be sure to have plenty of water before you set out for a long drive.

Sip a cup of coffee

 coffee-awake-driving

This is nothing unfamiliar — thanks to caffeine, drinking a cup coffee is a good way to keep awake.

Chew on a gum

bubble-gum-drowsy-driving

Chewing a gum stimulates your facial muscles which aids your blood flow. That’s why it helps a lot of people stay awake and remain focused in boring situations.

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Listen to good audio tracks

audio-tracks-long-drive

When we say “audio tracks” it doesn’t necessarily mean “music tracks”. A good way to keep you awake while driving is to listen to good and interesting audio books or comedy audio tracks.

Avoid heavy meals

avoid-heavy-meal-long-drive

It’s our bodies’ natural response to feel sleepy after a big meal. This is because taking in big quantities of food produces more insulin which, in turn, increases both serotonin and melatonin levels, two chemicals that are associated with drowsiness. Have a light meal before you go, it’s also a good idea to pack some snacks that you can munch as you drive.

Nibble on snacks  

snacks-counter-drowsy-driving

Chewing food will keep you and your taste buds busy and this would help you stay awake and feel less sleepy. Get some nuts, biscuits or cookies, or perhaps an apple or an orange. There are plenty of variants of out there but be careful in taking in snacks with high dose of sugar. See the next tip for the reason why.

Take in sugar with protein

sugar-protein-counter-drowsy-driving

We made this a separate point because many people think that taking in sugar will keep them awake but actually it’s the opposite. Sugar is like sedatives because it inhibits orexin — a brain chemical that keeps you awake. But don’t worry, there’s a method to counter this: protein does the opposite — it incites orexin to production mode, making you feel alert and awake (read more here). So next time make sure you get your sugar-protein dose before you drive.

Watch what medicine you take

drowsy-driving-medicince

There are medicines that cause drowsiness, narcotics: codeine and morphine; antihistamines: diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine, to name a few. Know your medicine and its side-effects, especially if you’re under maintenance medication. If unsure, ask your physician or look online for reliable sites like Mayo Clinic.

Get plenty of sleep

sleep-before-long-drive

In keeping alert and awake nothing beats a good and an adequate sleep. If you are in for a long and tiring drive be sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep the night before.

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How to Prepare Your Car for a Long Road Trip

Posted on March 19, 2015

A long trip is a serious test for your car and sometimes what might seem to be minutiae could be the cause of mishaps and delays along the way if left unchecked. So before you start that engine for a long drive make sure to make the right preparations not only for yourself but also for your car. Below are long drive essentials for your car.

Gulp and have a good drink

refreshment-fluids

Yes, “Gulp,” but not for yourself…this time for your car. Cars, like us, need body fluids, so make sure that your car is properly hydrated before letting it loose for a marathon.

Below are car fluids that you should check. Make sure that there’s enough fluid in each and all of them. The levels should be above the minimum level and below the maximum level. If you’re not sure how to check any of these, information will be in your vehicle’s handbook, or search online.

  • Radiator fluid and coolant
  • Brake fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • Transmission fluid
  • Engine oil
  • Gasoline

Inspect the tires

car-tire-inspect

Be sure to inflate your tires with the correct pressure. If unsure what the correct tire pressure is, see the manufacturer’s label (usually located in the glove box or on the B pillar) for the recommended pressure. Tires with low pressure cause extra rolling resistance because they deform more, and this causes heat buildup which could be a reason for a delamination where the tyre’s layers separate, or a blowout. Also, make sure that your spare tire is properly inflated.

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Windshield wipers

windshield-wiper

People often overlook windshield wipers but a worn out and ineffective wipers create streaks on your windshield which obstructs your vision and impairs your driving. A dirty windscreen is especially dangerous when you are driving towards the setting sun. Double check your wipers and don’t hesitate to replace them if they don’t clean the windshield properly.

Check the brakes

car-brakes

Have your brakes checked — this is one of the most important car components. There are a few reasons that cause brakes to malfunction: hardened brake pads and/or shoes, oil or grease on the brakes, and loss of power assistance from the power brake booster (click here for more details).

Have a battery check-up

car-battery

No one would like to jumpstart a car on a middle of a trip, so have your battery checked and make sure that the ignition and electrical systems are working properly. If your battery is one that needs topping up with water, check that the water level is high enough.

Make sure the air filter is clean

car-air-filter

An air filter is recommended to be inspected every after 10,000km of mileage. It doesn’t hurt to have a look. Have a look at your manufacturer’s recommendation to see when you should replace your car’s air filter. A clean air filter will improve your fuel economy and therefore reduces fuel consumption.

Check the lights

car-lights

This is often overlooked, but faulty lights are a hazard for you and for other motorists who would have a hard time gauging your distance and guessing where you want to go. Be sure to check your headlights, tail lights, blinkers and signal lights before your trip.

If your indicators flash rapidly it’s sometimes a sign that one of the bulbs has blown.

Bring the essential tools

tool-box

The unexpected things do happen even If you’ve done all the necessary car check-ups. A blown out tire due to a puncture, or a discharged battery due to forgotten lights could be a hassle.  Bringing the list of essential tools below could be of great help just in case a mishap happen in the middle of your trip.

  • wheel wrench
  • jack
  • wheel lock key (if you have locks installed)
  • jumper wires
  • rags
  • tire gauge
  • flashlight
  • basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, socket wrench, work gloves etc.)
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8 Essential Tips to Prepare Yourself for a Long Car Drive

Posted on March 19, 2015

A long drive should be fun and adventure-filled, but without the right preparation what’s supposed to be a smooth and splendid drive could turn into an awful and even a disastrous one. Long drives are a serious test not only for your car but also for the driver, therefore need the right preparation. These tips will help you prepare yourself for your long drive.

Get adequate sleep

sleeping-before-long-drive

Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep the night before a long drive. Not only will it give you enough energy but it will also help you maintain your focus during the long drive and avoid accidents caused by you taking microsleeps where your eyes fall shut for a few seconds.

Plan your stops

stop-over-place

Of course tip number one is an ideal that many people will find hard to achieve. If that’s the case then it’s best to plan your stops. Pull over every several hours to take a break, or even get some sleep if you have to. You don’t have to be tired to get some rest, be deliberate and do it even if you don’t feel tired yet.

Be careful in taking medication

drowsy-medicine

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Avoid taking prescription medicines that could cause drowsiness and impair your driving. If you’re taking medication (and if it’s unavoidable to do so before driving) that may cause drowsiness then DON’T DRIVE. Your doctor will be able to advise you if medication you are taking will affect your coordination.

Have a medical kit

medicine-kit

If you suffer from intermittent medical issues such as stomach cramps or headaches, it’s a good idea to have a medical kit in the car. If you have diabetes you will want to keep sugary foods available and know your symptoms for hypo- or hyperglycaemia. Having basic supplies such as tissues and painkillers is a good idea.

Bring a travel buddy along

travel-buddy

It’s always a good idea to bring a travel buddy along to take turns driving the car. Call your girlfriend/boyfriend, invite a friend, a brother or a sister. Not only will it make you less exhausted when you arrive at your destination, but it will also make the journey more fun and worthwhile. But be careful that your travel buddies don’t become a distraction to your driving. Research shows that for young people, having friends as passengers increases their risk of being involved in a crash (sources: AA, HSRC).

Avoid heavy meals

heavy-meal

It’s the body’s natural response to feel sleepy after a big meal, so it’s better to bring some snacks and water along to sustain you when you feel the need to. Remember to only have a light meal before heading on a long drive.

Plan your route

forest, railway

Although a GPS could provide you with the correct route, more often than not it will lead you to the longer cuts which will cost you more fuel. Try asking a friend who is familiar with the route, get a mapping app for your smartphone or consult Google Maps online before you leave and print the route plan; It will allow you to save fuel, and the stress and hassle of not knowing where to go.

Have good sounds and music

car-audio

Have good sounds and music in place. Stack on your favorite music and artists. It doesn’t have to be just music – try having audio books or audible learning materials. This will not only relieve you from boredom, but it will also make your long trip more productive and meaningful.

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8 Ways to Save Fuel When Driving

Posted on March 17, 2015

save-fuel-tips

Your car’s condition and your driving style affects your overall fuel consumption and, although petrol has recently stopped its unwavering price hike, it still holds one of the biggest cost of owning a car. Here are a few and easy driving tricks to help you save fuel and alleviate your hurting pocket.

Drive in the correct gear

correct-gear

The higher the engine revs the more it’ll consume fuel, and this makes driving in a lower gear than necessary less economical. When driving a manual car, changing your gear to the next higher as soon as the engine is comfortable to do so is a good trick to save on fuel. If you’re using an automatic car, go easy on the gas pedal as soon as the car has gained momentum so that it’ll shift gears earlier.

Avoid rush hour

rush-hour-traffic

Driving on congested road traffic is an expensive way to drive. Making ‘starts’ and ‘stops’ are unavoidable in traffic jam situations; your car requires more power when driving from a full stop and this requires more fuel, too. Try to avoid driving during peak-hours as traffic jams are worst during these hours. If your work makes it inevitable for you to drive during rush hours, then getting a smaller car designed for city driving would be a smart move to save on fuel.

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Do it all in one go

grocery-errand

A cold engine needs more power to warm-up and therefore uses more fuel. This is one of the reasons why short trips are least fuel efficient. Try going after several errands all in one go, and if you can, go for a walk or ride your bicycle. This will save you fuel and give you a good dose of exercise.

Inflate your tires properly

correct-tire-pressure

Under-inflated tires increases rolling resistance due to the excessive amount of tire rubber in contact with the road, and this also increases the fuel consumption by up to 6%. Get your tires checked routinely, or check them yourself (at least once a month) to make sure that they are properly inflated. If unsure what the proper pressure is for your tire, see your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure.

Avoid vehicle idling

Idling wastes fuel and contributes more to the greenhouse effect. If you need to stop your vehicle for more than a minute (except in traffic), just turn the engine off and park it.

Maintain an economical speed

economical-speed-speedometer

Don’t be too hard on the accelerator. At speeds above 90 kph the fuel consumption increases significantly. Depending on your vehicle, the most economical driving speed is usually around 80-90 kph using the highest gear, so don’t be rough on the gas pedal and the fuel cost won’t get rough on you.

Avoid unnecessary weight

loaded-car

Get heavy items off your car like sports equipment or tools if you don’t need them for your trip. Make sure to clean your car and remove unnecessary weight before you leave.

Park in shaded parking

shaded-parkingYou might think that leaving your car in an open parking area instead of a shaded one to avoid parking fees will save you money, but it might not! A heated car will take much longer to cool (especially during the summer) and will consume more fuel to do so if you use your air conditioning, and besides you wouldn’t want your car to turn into a sauna in exchange for a little parking fee.

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