A fresh start on the road: 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Motorists
IT’S that time of year when everyone feels the need for change and for the better, of course. Out with old habits, and in with new good ones.
Motorists could use a few New Year’s Resolutions to live by, especially in doing their share of having saner, safer roads. Here are 10 New Year’s Resolutions that motorist might find useful this 2014.
1. Won’t drink and drive. This isn’t just because you dread getting fined big time and spend time in jail but because you actually worry about your safety as well as that of your passengers.
2. Won’t straddle two lanes. This is even worse if it’s at low speeds. And don’t to forget to follow traffic rules.
3. Won’t honk at pedal-powered vehicles. Bikes and trisikads don’t have emissions, your car does.
4. Will use signal lights often. Whether it’s for changing lanes or doing turns, using signal lights are a form of courtesy that’s hardly being practiced in Cebu.
5. Will take a road trip. With your family. By road trip, we mean actually hopping from one island to another. Also, go for long drives to remote places in Cebu as often as you can.
6. Will be more patient. With more vehicles on the road, you can’t do anything about the worsening traffic condition, so the best recourse is to extend your patience when you’re caught in “rush-hour” traffic that didn’t exist just two years ago.
7. Will gather and use rainwater to wash the car. It’s an earth-friendly practice. And if you wash the car yourself, it won’t cost you a thing.
8. Will follow maintenance schedule. There are a number of reliable car maintenance shops that offer rates much lower than casas that charge you an arm and a leg. Best for out-of-warranty vehicles.
9. Will try to walk or commute when possible. If you can leave your car in the parking area and you’re heading to an area only blocks away, do yourself a favor and walk.
10. Will give my car and the road the respect they deserve. Drive sanely and with a clear head. Clean your car as often as possible, preferably with your own hands. (Freon L. Ollival)
