23 December 2011
MMDA publishes list of notorious colorum Bus violators
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is out to sweep the streets clean yet again, this time for colorum or out-of-line public utility bus (PUB) operators that ply city and provincial routes. Published last December 20, 2011, the list covers offenders from January to November 2011. Colorum or out-of-line PUB's are classified as buses that operate either without a valid license or outside their designated route from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Published in
Road Safety
15 November 2011
Mika Hakkinen joins the pact with Johnnie Walker in Manila
Because you'll probably end up drunk if you get to know Johnnie a bit too well, Johnnie Walker created the Join the Pact campaign to remind you of the importance of responsible drinking. And for that reason, two-time Formula 1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen paid a recent visit to the Philippines so you can join him in the pledge to “Never Drink and Drive.”
Although the strict health requirements of modern Formula 1 drivers prohibit them from drinking, Hakkinen's duty, along with Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, is to serve as role models. The Johnnie Walker Responsible Drinking Ambassador was joined by Makati City Mayor Hon. Jejomar “Jun-Jun” Binay Jr.; Representative Irwin Tieng, a principal author of the Anti-Drunk Driving Bill; and MMDA Traffic Discipline Head Yves Gonzales in signing their names as a pledge to this advocacy. This doesn't mean that you can have the Flying Finn as your own and personal designated driver, or anyone listed above for that matter, but for you to start taking responsibility for your own actions by joining the Pact.
Published in
Road Safety
14 November 2011
Two-wheeled training school at Safe-T-Ryders
The Kotse.com crew may not be as cultivated on two-wheels, but we are still strong advocates for road safety. And with the number of motorcycle-related accidents on the rise, rider education is now more crucial than ever. Sadly, the lack of riding schools in the country is aggravating the situation. Thankfully, one group of responsible motorists is taking up the challenge by forming Safe-T-Ryders, the training school on two-wheels.
Located at the Ortigas Home Depot in Pasig City, the Safe-T-Ryders Motorcycle Training Center offer affordable basic and enrichment riding courses that will educate any motorcycle rider to be a safer road user. And by delivering quality training in a controlled and safe environment, learning defensive riding can be an enjoyable experience.
The basic and enrichment courses, which include theory inputs and practical riding exercises, are priced at only P750 for each two-day program. But for those who want to refresh their knowledge about riding safety, a three-hour lecture is available for only P200.
Published in
Road Safety
Petron Lakbay Alalay, the country's longest running motorist assistance program, is once again on the road to provide Free Safety Checks for both two-wheeled and four-wheeled motorists during the upcoming Undas holidays so that you can have a worry-free road-trip. Plus, get a Free cup of coffee when you gas up at Petron.From October 28 to November 1, 2011, participating Petron stations in major highways offer extensive 38 point inspection to ensure vehicles are in roadworthy condition. Simply look for the Free Safety Check sign to avail of this service. Inspection points include:
- TIRES: Pressure, wear, and spare tire.
- ENGINE: Air filter element, fan belt, power steering belt, alternator belt, air conditioner belt, upper and lower radiator hose.
- FLUIDS: Engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, clutch fluid, gear oil, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, and window washer.
- BATTERY: Battery fluid and battery terminals.
- LIGHTS: Headlights, signal lights, brake lights, hazard, fog lights, third brake light, and light gauges.
- UNDERCHASSIS: Tie rod ends, upper and lower ball joints, cross joints, shock absorbers, and axle boots.
- ACCESSORIES: Wiper blades, horn, basic tools, jack, and early warning device.
Published in
Road Safety
26 October 2011
Honda's helpful long distance road tips for All Saint's Day
Every year, millions of Filipino's take to the road during All Saints' Day to visit loved ones in the province or to go on a vacation. And to make the trip safe and trouble-free, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. has come up with these tips so that you'd know what to check before hitting the road.
Under the hood: Check the radiator coolant in the reserve tank, engine oil level, as well as the brake and clutch oil. Make sure that they are all at the proper level.
Published in
Road Safety
23 September 2011
How’s my Driving? LTFRB lists the Metro’s most dangerous bus companies
Words by Jade Lu
If it’s not already in our heads, it won’t be too long before one realizes the perils of taking the bus from point A to point B. With bus accidents headlining our news feeds every so often, it’s not a wonder the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has published the Top 10 lists of the most dangerous bus companies treading Metro Manila based on three categories: (1) most number of passenger and personnel deaths, (2) most number of passenger of passenger and personnel injury, and (3) most damage to property. Each bus company was reviewed on incidents occurring in the whole of 2010 all the way to the first half of 2011. This may be the general answer to the question every bus driver should really be asking: How’s my driving?
Published in
Road Safety
19 September 2011
Ford reminds us why Driving Skills help save lives
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
For the past six years, Ford Group Philippines (FGP) has been on the road pitching its Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) campaign in schools, colleges, and private corporations. To date, the program has successfully trained more than 20,000 participants on the importance of road safety. As part of its first batch of students, I've attended well over a dozen of DSFL's classroom lessons and practically memorized each page of its presentation like the back of my hand. But no matter how repetitive it may sound, I always learn something new and make it a point to listen as a personal reminder to my responsibility as a road user.
Road safety is a subject matter that should never be taken lightly. Last year alone, the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) reported 18,810 traffic accidents, 7,670 of which involved fatality or injury. And in an occupation that mainly involves driving, we might just put ourselves and others at risk whenever we go on the road. That's why Ford took the initiative to host a special DSFL seminar just for us motoring media last week at the Ortigas Home Depot in Pasig City. The half-day course included a one-hour lecture on safe, smart, and fuel-efficient driving habits followed by a hands-on training on parallel parking and eco-driving using the Ford Fiesta and Focus.
Published in
Road Safety
18 August 2011
Goodyear's tips for driving on Wet Roads
We don't need PAG-ASA to tell us that the rainy season is officially here, and with it comes hazardous driving conditions that cause thousands of accidents each year resulting in vehicle damage, injury, and even death. While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risks, we can prevent accidents when we understand the the factors that cause them such as: (1) the film of water on the road causes tires to lose traction, (2) rain reduces driver perception and visibility, and (3) floods bring about debris that make vehicles prone to road hazards. That's why, as part of their road safety advocacy, Goodyear Philippines has prepared these essential wet driving tips to help us avoid accidents when diving in the rain.
Published in
Road Safety
