|
STARTING
this Thursday, many families will be motoring to their
favorite vacation or meditation spots for the Holy
Week.
If
you’re one of those brave souls who haven’t given their
vehicles a checkup, then good luck on your trip. If you
have, then there should be nothing for you to worry
about.
There
are several things, however, that you should keep in
mind as you embark on your journey.
Remember
that you will be bringing with you your loved ones and
that will entail a lot of responsibility and common
sense while you are on the road. As the driver, your
prime duty, aside from getting them to and from your
destination, is to look after their safety at all
times. And that responsibility begins even before the
wheels of your car start rolling.
Get
everything looked after
Make
sure that, at the very least, your car is topped up with
fuel, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and the
right mixture of water and radiator coolant. Your tires,
including the spare, should also be inflated to the
right pressures. Make sure that your battery is charged
and working properly. All of the rubber parts such as
fan belts and wiper blades should be in good shape.
While you’re at it, fill up the washer reservoir with
your favorite window-washing solution. The good news is
that you can ask a competent gas station or service
center technician to check on all of those things. Don’t
forget to bring a photocopy of your car registration and
a set of basic tools. A map would also be a good thing
to have. Just be sure you know how to read it, though,
otherwise, it’s next to useless.
Pack
right and smart
When
loading up your vehicle, put all the heavy and bulky
stuff inside the trunk. The heaviest items should be at
the bottom, while the lightest ones should be stacked at
the top. This will help keep the vehicle’s center of
gravity low and maintain the vehicle’s stability on the
road.
In SUVs
and station wagons, wherein the cargo space opens up
into the rear passenger area, you must install a net or
cover to secure all those items, which, when loose,
could become deadly projectiles that can strike the
heads of the vehicle’s occupants during sudden braking.
If you
plan to eat on the go, keep a trash bag handy for all
those used wrappers and empty soda cans. Anything that
is left rolling around the floor of the cabin could end
up under the pedals. Being unable to use the brake
because of an object that’s stuck under the pedal could
lead to a harrowing experience, or worse, a major
accident.
Take
your time
Leave
early in order to give yourself plenty of time to get to
where you’re going. Keep in mind that a driver who is in
a rush has a higher risk of getting involved in an
accident. If you can travel in daylight, do so. That way
you can see farther and stay more alert than if you’re
driving at night.
If you
have a passenger who can drive, take turns behind the
steering wheel in order to minimize fatigue. Keep
driving stints to a maximum of two hours or less so that
you can both stay fresh and awake.
Keep
your head about you
You will
be sharing the road with other drivers this weekend, so
keep a positive and happy attitude all the time.
Everyone wants to have a good time, so keep your temper
in check and try your best to enjoy the trip. Don’t ruin
it by picking a fight with another motorist. It just
isn’t worth it.
Be
courteous to everyone, relax, and arrive safe and sound. |
