Cecille's Creativity

Undas, Todos los Santos or Araw ng mga Patay - universally known as All Saint's Day is widely celebrated in the Philippines on November and 1 and 2 to hold gatherings around the graves of their departed loved ones and lay out flowers and candles. All Saint's Day is a holiday of honoring and remembering departed members of the family.

Often, Filipinos traditionally visit cemeteries which often the occasion is treated as a reunion on which milliions of Filipinos trooping to cemeteries, going in or out of the cemetery.

With many Filipinos expected to go on a road trip over a holiday, safety should be an utmost priority. Road manners should also be obeserved to avoid accidents.

Drive defensively. Defensive driving is defined as preventing crashes before they occur by demonstrating a responsible attitude, keen awareness and practicing apt driving skills.

Be cautious, especially at intersections, which are considered danger zomes.

Steer clear erratic drivers. Let a tailgater pass you.

Keep your eyes on the road. Taling on a cell phone or sending messages distracts. Keep in mind that a distracted driver might also be near.

Never drive sleep-deprived. Sleep is not a matter of willpower, but a biological need. If you become drowsy, pull off the road and get some rest.

Buckle your seat belt. Seat belts provide impact protection, they absorb crash forces, and they keep from being thrown out of the vehicle.

Don't forget the basics: Limit loose objects in your car and lock your doors.

Another way of preventing travel from becoming a tragedy is to make sure that the vehicle is in "tip-top" conditions. Regular maintenance, including tune-up and tire rotation, is crucial whether you are just on a short trip or going for a long drive. Do a few safety checks on the vehicle before going on a trip.

Check the tire pressure according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended value. Do this when the tires are cold, or have not been used for at least three hours.

Tire treads provide road grip to prevent the vehicle from slipping or sliding, especially on wet roads. Check them for wear and tear and wear, and remove pebbles or small objects that are wedged in.

Ask a qualified technician to inspect the brake system's vital parts - including the hoses, linings and pads for signs of wear, corrosion or rusting. If the brake pedal squels feels spongy or goes all the way to the floor when presses down, it means that it needs check-up or repair.

Make sure the fluid reservoirs for oil, brake, transmission, power steering, windshield washer and coolant are filled to required levels.

Thoroughly clean the windshields, windows and mirrors to ensure clear visibility on the road. Replace wiper blades if they are already worn out.

Check the head lights, brake, lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, interior lights and trailer lights. Driving with burned out or broken light is prohibited and can put other motorists at risk.

Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or cuts. Check for signs of fuel leakage that may lead to engine fire.

When you are on the road, you have to take into consideration that it's not just your life that is in your hands, but also the lives of your family and those around you as well.

By taking the necessary precautions, you can avoid road accident. Drive with love.