MDPPA highlights road safety tips this holiday season
CHRISTMAS is in the air: Filipino shoppers are hopping from mall to mall, scouting for gift ideas, filling restaurants, and congesting roads. The flurry of activity, however, inevitably increases the probability of road crashes during the Christmas season. This Christmas, prevent misfortune from spoiling your holidays with these tips from Magnus Mateo, Road Safety Committee vice-chairman of Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA), the Philippines’ premier motorcycle manufacturers association composed of Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kymco.
FOCUS ON DRIVING
Everyone is excited about the holidays; after all, this is the season of parties, shopping escapades, and Christmas bonuses. But be sure not to let your wandering thoughts cloud your judgment while driving. Devote your full attention towards reaching your destination safely.
STAY HEALTHY
Not even the best motorcycle available in the market can spare a motorist from a fatal heart attack, shares Mateo. As such, one should always keep his health in check. Some health conditions pose side effects, which can impair the driver’s vision and sense of road awareness.
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
Having a little too much to drink can lead to numbed senses — particularly blurry vision — and slower reac- tion times. “If you are not in a fit state to drive, do not do so,” Mr. Mateo cautioned.
And even if you’re not drunk, you still have to be on your guard: be wary of recklessly drunk pedestrians, too.
MAINTENANCE
This might come as a surprise, but MDPPA discourages major motorcycle modifications since these can lead to unpredictable motorcycle performance. “Manufacturers conduct thorough research to get vehicle specs right,” said Mr. Mateo.
He advised riders to change oil and filter regularly, as specified in the owner’s manual. Daily visual inspection should include leaks, tire condition, brakes, pedal/lever plays, and signaling & head light devices, the latter serving as safety devices to help the rider be seen and see other motorists or pedestrians. One should be wary of any form of electrical malfunctioning, too.