7 must-know tips for every Pinoy driver to avoid car accidents

Getting into an accident is hell for every driver out there. That’s why there are vehicle owners who go to the extra mile just to keep them and their vehicle safe from potential accidents. They end up buying upgrades for their cars that are almost quarter the amount of what they bought their car with.

However, you don’t have to go through all that same trouble to keep safe while driving, just follows the tips Philkotse.com has collected for you and you’ll be just fine.

1. Focus on your driving

One of the keys to driving safely and staying away from accidents is by being free from distractions. This helps you be wary of the potential danger ahead so you can have quicker reactions in case trouble does suddenly arise. There are instances when focusing on the road may not seem such an easy task, but it is definitely worth it.

In fact, a lot of accident cases are when the driver is distracted. He could be lost in thought, in a deep daydream or sometimes his attention is directed at something else. If something is in need of your dire attention, stop the car carefully on the side of the road and get it over with before hitting the highway again. Also, being focused when driving will help you follow Anti Distracted Driving Act in the Philippines.

One of the keys to driving safely and staying away from accidents is by being free from distractions.

2. Be aware of blind spots

Blind spots are anywhere on the road that is not visible to your view. Blind spots are a cause of accident even for the most cautious drivers. This is usually the part where they may be a vehicle that can cause a collision.

Blind spots can be anywhere – it can be the areas around your car that can’t be seen even in the mirrors and it’s also the areas on the road that may not be available to your line of sight like sharp turns, rounded curves, steep ascends and the likes.

Being aware of blind spots helps you become aware of where potential danger may come from and you can immediately formulate a quick strategy to evade the accident. Also, remember that there are other vehicles on the road with much larger blind spots than you.

These include massive loading and cargo trucks as well as buses. Don’t always count that the driver sees you because if there happens to be an accident and you’re up against vehicles with the size of these, you would be one lucky soul to still be alive. It is advised to install a dash cam to recognize the blind spots. 

Blind spots are a cause of accident even for the most cautious drivers.

3. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle

 If you’re using a whole new and different vehicle every time you drive then this might be hard to do for you. However, if you have your very own car and you use that every drive then you have every chance to recognize and familiarize yourself with your own vehicle. If you don’t really know what this means then just try to answer these questions in your head;

• In its current state, do your tires still have good traction even in heavy downpours?
• How long will it be before your car needs another fill of gasoline? Or how does every gallon last in your car?
• How long does it take before you apply the brakes and the car comes to a full stop?

Understanding how much your car can take and what kind of conditions it can tolerate will inform you of your limitations when driving it. Upon realizing the answer to the questions above, you should be able to know now that pushing your vehicle pass the limitations that you are already aware of could cause an accident. 

Understanding how much your car can take and what kind of conditions it can tolerate will inform you of your limitations when driving it.

4. Be more cautious when driving at night

We know there are heaps of accidents that happen during the day, but things get worse when night time comes. This is the time of day when people most often drive under the influence of alcohol, especially at later times of the night. This is also when the roads get crazy dangerous.

You might be sure of yourself that you’re doing everything right while driving, but then the next thing you know; you’re in the emergency room because of some other careless driver. Yes, there are times when accidents at night time can’t be helped at all especially if it’s not even your fault. However, it’s always better to be extra careful and get to your destination in one piece rather than put someone in jail while in a wheelchair with a broken arm and leg.

There are times when accidents at night time can’t be helped at all especially if it’s not even your fault.

>>> You might like to read: 

• 3 essential equipment & 5 tips for Pinoy drivers to drive safely at night
• Night-driving: Why it is the Most Dangerous Time to be on the Road?

5. Don’t drive if you are on high emotion

We specifically want to point out negative feelings under this warning. There have been cases and researches conducted in regards to people’s emotions and driving. The results show that driving while overwhelmed with negative feelings such as anger, heartbreak and grief can be terribly dangerous as this promotes reckless driving.

This also clouds logical judgment and shifts the driver's focus from the act of driving to the emotions and thoughts instead. This results in a loss of focus that can be very inviting for an accident to happen.

Driving while overwhelmed with negative feelings such as anger, heartbreak and grief can be terribly dangerous as this promotes reckless driving.

6. Be A Generous Driver

When someone intends to cut ahead of you, you may feel the urge to restrict that driver the opportunity to do so. This should never be made a practice since this may result in one of these things. One is an accident- you may hit the rear of the vehicle as it tries to cut towards your front and cause an accident or two; you may end up having a terrible fight especially if the other driver happens to have a temper as bad as or worse than yours.

7. Always keep your car in check

Make sure your car parts are always A-OK to avoid cases of accidents. Having your car suddenly stop in the middle of the highway is a terribly dangerous event and you can even be sued, but that's if you're lucky to survive the accident.

Recognize the most important parts of your car and remember to have your car regularly checked. This will keep you in-the-know as to which of your car’s parts need immediate fixing, repair or just plain maintenance.