Going on a road trip this Undas? Heed these tips

By Karen Galarpe, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at of 10/30/2010

MANILA, Philippines - With the long 3-day weekend up ahead, many Filipinos have already made plans to head to the provinces for All Saints' Day when they can visit the tombs of their departed loved ones.

At the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) alone, at least 20,000 vehicles are expected to pass through this weekend on their way to the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, and La Union, among others.

Bus terminals are also starting to get crowded as Filipinos prepare for the yearly trek. At the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, around 9,000 passengers are expected to arrive and board the 600 buses to be deployed.

 The Philippine National Police (PNP) is closely monitoring the security situation in bus terminals, sea ports, and other transportation terminals, even as it warned the public to be more vigilant this weekend against the modus operandi of unscrupulous elements.

Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, chief of the PNP's National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), shared these security tips on ANC's "Headstart" for people heading to the provinces:

1. Travel light, especially for those who will be taking public utility buses. "Most of the time, people are inconvenienced inside the different buses because they bring so many packages with them," said Bartolome.

2. Check your vehicle before you leave your home, for those traveling by their private vehicles.

3. Be observant when on the road. "There are some unscrupulous elements that would take advantage of the situation," said Bartolome.

"For example, bigla ka na lang sesenyasan na may diperensya 'yung sasakyan mo, which will make you stop and perhaps get out of your vehicle and check. The best way to do that is to stop at a well-lighted place where people are present so these unscrupulous individuals, baka posibleng holdaper o carnapper or carjacker 'yan eh, maiwasan 'yung may mangyaring karahasan sa inyo," said Bartolome.

He added that there are many ways unscrupulous elements may carry out their plans. "Una, they will signal na flat ang sasakyan mo. Pangalawa, baka banggain ka nila ng konti. If they do that, if they bump you and it's only a minor situation, it's better if you stay in an area where people can see you so if there are any problems, you can easily call for assistance," he advised.

4. Secure your respective homes by checking if locks are properly secured.

5. Unplug appliances. Leaving appliances unplugged may cause a fire during your absence.

6. Report any incident to the PNP by calling the hotlines 117 or 290. In cemeteries, approach the police assistance desks by the gates, or the roving policemen assigned.

Driving at night

 At night, motorists' vision is reduced from 20/20 to 20/50, said Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), owner and builder of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), in a previous statement.

“As a rule, the speed limit that is reasonable for daytime is too fast at night,” said Robert Gervacio, SCTEX program manager and spokesperson. “Motorists must observe night driving safety as soon as the sun goes down.”

The SCTEx Motorist's Handbook offers these safety tips for motorists driving at night:

1. Never look directly into oncoming headlights; look instead at the right side of the road to stay on course.

2. Be sure to dim your lights for approaching traffic and for vehicles traveling ahead of you.

3. Be sure your windshield is clean inside and out, and that the windshield wipers are adequately clean and are in good condition.

4. Keep your headlights clean; dirty headlights can reduce visibility by more than 50%.

It also advised motorists to keep headlights on when driving at twilight so other drivers can see you. "Twilight" according to the Handbook, "is one of the most difficult times to drive because your eyes are constantly changing to adapt to the growing darkness."

 Officials of SCTEx and Tollways Management Corporation (TMC) also advised motorists to avoid hitting the road during rush hours, from 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. as queues at toll plazas are longer.

Gervacio also advised SCTEx motorists to observe the speed limit -- 60 kph minimum and 100 kph maximum.

Motorists who may find themselves in need of help along SCTEx may call the SCTEx hotlines (0920) 96-SCTEx (72839), (045) 865-2030, (02) 362-9997 and (02) 362-2246. -- With reports from Doland Castro and Jerome Lantin, ABS-CBN News