Christmas is here! A time filled with family, celebration, gifts, and, unfortunately, the feared holiday car-mageddon. Angry motorists and bumper-to-bumper traffic in the Philippines aren’t exclusive to the Christmas season. But the patience and resources you spend while stuck in the holiday traffic can take more toll on your finances during this time of the year.
While Christmas lights decorate storefronts of every color, a sea of red taillights fills the roads. Thousands of cars carry shoppers eager to complete their last-minute shopping or families on their way home to the provinces.
Indeed, busy is an understatement for the buzz that Christmas brings every year. It’s why drivers, especially those handling deliveries this Christmas, should consider reading the list below of six holiday driving tips to avoid the holiday rush and make the most out of the jolly season—even on the road.
6 Holiday Driving Tips for Truck Drivers
1. Ensure your vehicle’s condition
Inspect every part of your vehicle at least once before you hit the road. From tire pressure to brake fluids, ensure everything is working perfectly and in tip-top shape to avoid problems or accidents.
Keep a supply kit in your trunk, and fill it with breakdown supplies such as brake fluids, engine oils, or battery jump-starters as contingencies for roadside emergencies.
Familiar with the acronym BLOWBAGETS? While it sounds a bit questionable, the acronym helps you remember the essentials you need to examine before you head out and during your drive:
- Brakes
- Lights
- Oils
- Water
- Battery
- Air
- Gas
- Engine
- Tires
- Self
2. Pack personal necessities
Get to your destination on time by preparing the essentials you might find yourself reaching for during a drive. This tip helps lessen the need to stop at every gas station and ensures you’re physically and mentally fit to drive.
Make sure to grab some snacks that are easy to eat and don’t leave a lot of crumbs behind, like crackers, chips, and nuts. You can also try more filling and nutritious options like bread and fruits, which can keep you going especially for longer trips. Lastly, don’t forget to fill up your water bottle so you can stay hydrated.
3. Plan in advance
If you’ve experienced traffic in the Philippines, you’ll know that even the simplest matters can cause significant traffic congestion. Look up alternative routes to your destination to ensure you get there on time.
Avoid roads near airports, bus transportation hubs, and shopping centers to steer clear of the hustle and bustle among holiday travelers and last-minute shoppers. You can also look up small diners, public restrooms, or motels along the way in case an emergency arises.
4. Maximize available technology
Navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps can help you plan your routes and give you a real-time bird’s eye view of the roads. The official MMDA Twitter account also posts live road alerts and traffic advisories for drivers and commuters. Weather forecasting applications can also help you prepare for any weather conditions.
Remember that these apps can only do so much. They can estimate how and when you reach your destination, but that can change depending on sudden accidents or vehicle buildup during your drive.
5. Schedule your trip during off-peak hours
Beating traffic is good, but avoiding it altogether is better. Using online navigation tools, consider scheduling your journey in the early morning or late into the night.
The notorious traffic jams typically happen when students and employees rush to their homes or shopping centers to relax after a hectic day at school or work. While most school and work days start at 9 AM and end at 5 PM, you can expect clearer roads before 7:30 AM and after 8 PM.
6. Keep your cool
Nobody enjoys getting stuck in traffic, so try to be more empathetic when dealing with other drivers on the road. Don’t honk your horn loudly just because you’re getting impatient—it’s not going to magically clear the traffic.
The best thing you can do if you’re stuck in traffic is to plan the rest of your trip. Consult Waze or Google Maps for alternative routes that are less congested. If you have passengers, strike up a conversation with them to kill boredom. You can also turn on the radio to listen to the news or play some music to help you stay calm.
In any case, keep your eyes on the road and your composure at bay. It may be impossible to avoid heavy traffic, but you can manage your stress levels and control how you react to unexpected events on the road.
Ensure a Safe Holiday Drive
Don’t let traffic stop you from keeping the Christmas spirit alive! Instead, celebrate the holiday cheers by arriving at your destination safely and on time with a durable, high-quality set of tires that’ll never go out of season.
From passenger cars and light trucks to heavy equipment vehicles, browse our catalog or contact us at Triangle Tires to know how we can help you find the right tires at a price you can’t ignore!
