ROAD SAFETY
COURTESY, STRESS, AND ROAD RAGE
Courtesy is showing politeness in one’s attitude and
behavior to other road users.
• Be courteous as a driver.
• Give right of way, and invoke right of way.
• Always drive defensively.
Be courteous to:
1. passengers
2. pedestrians
3. other road users
4. other motorists
5. tra c enforcers.
Self-discipline is the ability to control self in a way
without outside supervision.
• Driving requires a determined level of selfcontrol and proper reaction to a situation.
Road discipline is knowing and abiding by the tra c
laws, rules and regulations.
Stress is the physical, mental, or emotional tension
experienced by one the demands immediate and fair
decision.
Due to unlawful tra c enforcers
• Positive response of motorist is the only way to
avoid argument.
• Be polite.
• Help resolve issue by complying. Be constructive
not destructive.
• Be heard when it is time to be heard not while
steering the wheel.
Learn how to handle stress positively.
• Be in control of your emotions.
• Do not let others a ect your driving and endanger
your life and others.
How to handle stress?
Due to personal or family problems
• Pull over
• Take deep breaths while counting backwards
• Turn some calming/enjoyable music (avoid loud
music)
• Eat something to loosen the stomach
• Never put yourself in the driver’s seat unless
completely in control of emotions
Don’t be a victim.
• Avoid retaliation.
• Keep distance.
• Put away your pride. Driving is not a contest.
• Avoid eye contract. It may mean provocation to an
angry driver.
• Mind conditioning.
• Get help. Call tra c authorities, the proper
authorities to deal with aggressive or dangerous
driver.
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Due to heavy tra c and bad road conditions
• Be open to possible reschedule and reroute of
drive
• Stay calm. Take opportunity to listen to favorite
music or radio program.
• Smile — think positive thoughts.
• Known in advance roads which are in ood-prone
areas. Road familiarity is an advantage.
• Be familiar with alternative routes to destination.
• Carpool to reduce vehicle volume.
Common causes of stress while driving:
• Personal and family problems
• Heavy tra c
• Annoying and excessive horn or noisy mu ers
• Undisciplined and discourteous motorists,
passengers, and pedestrians
• Malfunctioning tra c lights
• Improper pavement markings
• Improper parking
• Improper handling of tra c by law enforcers
• Detour or road closing
• Fake “Emergency” vehicles, specially ambulances
• Incorrect headlights of oncoming vehicles
• Annoying tailgaters
• Unexplained sudden stop of vehicle in front
• Right of way insistence
Due to undisciplined motorists and pedestrians
• Avoid going crowded places
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• Learn to pinpoint undisciplined drivers and avoid
them as much as possible
• Be humble and patient.
• If an aggressive driver overtakes you, slow
down and yield.
• Let pedestrians pass through even if not in the
right crosswalk.
ROAD RAGE is an assault to another due to a
misunderstanding, lack of tra c knowledge or
discourtesy.
Bad habits of aggressive drivers:
• Tailgating
• Annoying and excessive blowing of horns
• Fighting over parking space
• Gestures
• Cutting o
• Driving slowly in left lane
Results of Road Rage:
1. Emotional setback
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Fines and penalties
Suspension/revocation of driver’s license
Suspension/termination from work
Imprisonment
Death
Serious injury
ROAD CRASHES AND BREAKDOWNS — CAUSE
AND PREVENTION
Defensive driving is a practice to reduce possibility
of road crash.
• It is e ciently transporting self, people, good
from point of origin to destination.
Qualities of Defensive Driver:
1. Positive attitude on road safety
2. Physically and mentally t to drive
3. Received proper training before driving
4. Applying basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance
Driving Methods in times of Road Crash:
1. Search/Scan - the road seen ahead, around and
rear of vehicle
2. Identify - the potential and immediate hazard on
the road
3. Predict - actions of other road user
4. Decide - what to do to avoid unsafe situation
5. Execute - action as result of decision
Doctrine of Last Clearance
• One who has last clear chance or opportunity of
avoiding road crash and neglected to avoid
such may be jointly held liable.
Roadworthiness is the ability of motor vehicle to be in
a suitable operating condition or meeting
acceptable standards for safe driving and transport
of people, baggage or cargo on roads or streets.
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What makes a motor vehicle unsafe?
a. Poor vehicle maintenance
b. Insu cient support from Company
c. Abusive handling or driving
d. Lack of basic trouble shooting
What to do when sick?
• Follow the law on Anti-Distracter Driving
• Leave all emotions behind
• Concentrate on steering wheel
• When sick… go to doctor.
• Don’t slam on brake pedal.
• Look to target or escape area and safely pull over.
• Switch on hazard lights and properly place Early
Warning Device (EWD).
Engine Fire
• Steer out of tra c, building, people, other cars.
• Have other occupants leave car and move away.
• Do not open hood.
• Turn o ignition and get out quickly.
Skid & Traction Loss
• Look - where you want to go
• Steer - where you want to go
• O pedals - release break or accelerator
• Never give up - maintain constant attention to
steering until under control
• Never take hands o steering wheel.
What to do when wet or ooded?
• Be aware, calm and ready
• Do not step on the break
• Reduce speed by releasing accelerator
• Gently step on break pedal after passing wet
roads
Ask yourself — Am I safe? (IM SAFE)
Illness - do i have any symptom
Medication - am I taking over-the-counter prescription
or other drugs
Stress - any worries about job, nances or families
Alcohol - have I been drinking for the last 24 hours
Fatigue - have I worked more than my physical ability,
with incomplete rest
Eating - am I hungry
HANDLING EMERGENCIES AND BREAKDOWNS
Placement of Early Warning Device
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Emergency situations and procedures:
Tire Blowout
Poor visibility
• Drive with low beam lights.
• Slow down and do not switch on hazard lights.
• Eyes on the road.
• Use clean wipes or cloth to clean fogged up
windshielf.
• Stop at safe place and turn on hazard lights
• Avoid using white headlight.
Handling emergencies and breakdowns
• Stay calm and check for injuries
• Keep safety rst and nd out location if injured (call
PNP hotline 117 or Red Cross hotline 143)
• Be prepared. Always bring emergency kit in car.
1. First aid kit
2. Flashlight
3. Early Warning Device
Check injured or unconscious passengers and move
them to safe place if possible.
With cuts, abrasions, etc., administer rst aid if
possible.
Photography and document the scene (vehicle, parties,
witnesses, police o cers)
FIRST AID
First Aid Tips:
1. Attend to anyone not walking or talking
2. If a part is on re, remove occupants and make
sure everyone is safe.
3. Do not remove injured unless car is burning or
there is immediate danger.
4. Check breathing and apply mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation if needed and knowledgeable.
5. Call for emergency response for serious injuries.
6. Do not give rst aid if not trained.
DRIVER’S DUTIES AND RIGHTS
1. Diligently secure appropriate driver’s license and
carry it at all times while driving vehicle
2. Know, follow, and abide land transportation laws,
rules and regulation
3. Be a defensive driver
4. Assure vehicle is duly registered, roadworthy and
emission compliant
5. Take appropriate measures to secure and
safeguard vehicle before leaving it
6. Know what to do and act if road crash
7. Know his rights and privilege (Having a driver’s
license is a privilege not a right)
8. Ensure healthy condition
Physical Requirements of Driver:
1. Physically t to operate vehicle
2. No health condition that will cause him to lose
control while driving
Mental Requirement of Driver:
1. Ability to process sensory functions
2. Ability to focus
3. Mentally and emotionally stable
4. Ability to make sound judgment required while
driving
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RIGHTS OF DRIVER WHEN APPREHENDED
1. To be informed of the full name and agency of
apprehending o cer
2. To know if o cer is for tra c direction and control
or deputized
3. To be informed of nature of violations he is being
apprehended
4. Not to step down from vehicle
5. To contest apprehension to o ce of tra c agency
when unsatis ed with apprehension
6. To le appropriate criminal, civil or administrative
case, in case of abuse of authority or irregularities
committed by o cer
ROAD AND TRAFFIC RULES
SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS
Regulatory signs inform road users of tra c laws and
regulation which will constitute o ense if
disregarded.
• Crowded streets and intersections
• Passengers, cars and motorcycle: 20 kph
• Motor trucks and buses: 20 kph
Speeding does NOT apply to:
1. Physician or driver;
2. Driver of hospital ambulance;
3. Driver bringing wounded or sick person;
4. Driver of vehicle of Armed Forces during
insurrection, riot or invasion;
5. Driver of vehicle in pursuit of criminal;
6. Law enforcement o cer in pursuit of violator of
tra c laws; and
7. Fire truck driver.
Ripple E ect
• A simple obstruction creates immeasurable
impact to ow of tra c.
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Without road signs for speed restrictions, RA 4136,
Sec. 35(b) applies:
• Highways with no blind corners and no
residential or commercial structures
• Passengers, cars and motorcycle: 80 kph
• Motor trucks and buses: 50 kph
• Boulevards as “thorough street” with no blind
coreners
• Passengers, cars and motorcycle: 40 kph
• Motor trucks and buses: 30 kph
• City or municipal streets
• Passengers, cars and motorcycle: 30 kph
• Motor trucks and buses: 20 kph
Warning signs are used to warn motorists of
potentially hazardous conditions on or adjacent to
the road.
• They advise motorists of road conditions that
require caution and may call for reduction in
speed, in the interest of safety and of other road
users.
Guide or informative signs inform and advise road
users of directions, distances, routes, location of
services for road users, and point of interest.
Route markers are the identi cation and general
direction of arterial roads and national highways with
signi cance by showing number and direction route.
Continuity line generally means the lane you are in is
about to end.
• If on your right, it means lane will continue
una ected.
• If on left, it means lane is approaching an
obstruction or about to enter di erent direction.
Hazard markers are used to emphasize approaching
driver a marked change in direction of travel and
presence of obstruction.
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Width markers narrow vehicle width clearance
designed and placed near foot of bridge approach.
Roundabout holding lines mean vehicle within
rotonda have the right-of-way over vehicles about to
enter.
Flashing yellow: if with overhead beacon or beacon
above warning sign, proceed with caution
Green: proceed but yield to pedestrians and tra c
lawfully using intersection
Flashing green: proceed with caution
PROPER HAND SIGNALS
The above image is used to control pedestrian tra c
at intersections if con ict between vehicle and
pedestrian movement.
• While pedestrians are crossing, they have right-ofway over all vehicles.
EXPRESSWAY
TRAFFIC LIGHTS
Red: bring vehicle to a stop at a clearly marked line
Flashing red: bring vehicle to a stop and proceed
only when safe
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Yellow: red is about to appear
• that on a highway with a business or residential
district with 2 or more lanes for tra c movement in
a direction, the driver may overtake on the right.
Overtaking on a curve
No driver shall overtake in the same direction on
curve in a highway where the driver’s view along the
highway is obstructed within 500 ft ahead (150 m).
No driver shall overtake at any railway grade
crossing overtaking in the same direction at any
railway grade crossing.
RULES ON THE ROAD
Rules on turning and overtaking
When turning left from one highway to another, every
vehicle shall be conducted to the right center of
intersection of the highway.
Overtaking at intersection
No driver shall overtake in the same direction at any
intersection of highways except on a highway with 2
or more lanes for movement of tra c in a direction
where the driver may overtake on the right.
Changing of lanes
One operating a motor vehicle or animal-drawn vehicle
on a highway shall pass to the right when meeting
persons or vehicles coming to him, and to the left
when overtaking going the same direction.
Overtaking a vehicle
The driver overtaking in the same direction shall pass
at safe distance to the left.
Cutting an overtaken vehicle
No driver shall drive to the right side of the highway
after overtaking before his vehicle is safely clear of
such overtaken vehicle.
Driver to give way to overtaking vehicle (Lane
Straddling)
The driver of a vehicle about to be overtaken and
passed by another from the rear shall give way to the
latter on suitable and audible signal.
Driver to give way to overtaking vehicle
He shall not increase his speed until completely
passed by overtaking vehicle.
Restriction on Overtaking and Passing
Driver shall not drive to the left side of the center line
of the highway in overtaking in the same direction
unless it is clearly visible and is free from oncoming
tra c for a su cient distance ahead to permit such
to ensure safety.
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Driver shall not overtake in the same direction, when
approaching the crest of a grade, not on a curve in
the highway, where the his view along the highway is
obstructed within 500 ft ahead, except on a highway
with 2 or more lanes for movement of tra c in a
direction whether the driver may overtake; provided:
Right of way rules
Right of way
The driver on highway shall bring to a full stop his
vehicle before transversing any “through highway” or
railroad crossing: provided
• when apparent there is no hazard, the vehicle
may be slowed down to 5 miles per hour (8 kph),
instead of full stop.
Yellow-box prohibitions
• Hitching or permitting a person or bicycle,
motorcycle, tricycle or skate roller to high to a
motor vehicle
• Driving against tra c - failure to pass to the right
when meeting persons or vehicles coming to him
Use of red ags
When the load of a vehicle extends 1m beyond its
bed or body, there shall be displayed at every
projecting end of such load a red ag not less than
30 cm both in length or width except in some cases, in
lieu of red ags, there shall be red lights visible at
least 50 m away.
Red ag lights must be switched on not later than half
hour after sunset and until at least half hour before
sunrise and when weather conditions require.
Motorists from garage or private roads must give
way to those within public roads.
Right of way and speed de-restriction of
emergency vehicles
The driver on a highway shall yield the right of way to
police or re department vehicles and ambulances
when such are operated on o cial business and
their drivers sound audible signal of their approach.
General rules on turning
Mu ers
Every motor vehicle propelled by internal
combustion engine shall be equipped with mu er,
and when it passes through a street of a city,
municipality, or thickly populated district or barrio, it
shall not be cut out or disconnected
No motor vehicle shall be operated in a manner as to
cause it to emit or make unnecessary or
disagreeable odor, smoke or noice.
Tires of motor vehicles
No motor vehicle with metallic tires shall be operated
on a public highway, and solid tires when used shall
be of su cient thickness to prevent metal rims from
coming in direct contact with the road. (e.g. bulldozer,
backhoe, rollers, cranes)
In case of road crash
Duty of driver in case of accident
If an accident occurs due to the operation of the
motor vehicle on a highway, the driver shall show his
driver’s license, give true name and address and
that of the owner of the vehicle.
Parking
Parking is prohibited:
1. in an intersection
2. on crosswalk
3. within 6m of intersection
4. 4 m from driveway entrance
5. within 4 m from re hydrant
6. in front of private driveway
7. on roadway side of unmoving or parked MV at the
curb or edge of highway
8. any place where signs of prohibition are installed.
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Hitching and driving against tra c
No driver in a vehicular accident shall leave the scene
of the accident without aiding the victim, except:
1. if he is in imminent danger of being seriously
harmed by any persons or persons due to the
accident;
2. if he reports the accident to the nearest o cer of
the law; or
3. if he has to summon a physician or nurse to aid
the victim.
Other driving rules of RA 4136
No person shall driven or park on or along any
sidewalk, path or alley not intended for vehicular
parking or tra c.
No person shall drive in a manner as to obstruct or
impede the passage of any vehicle, nor, while
discharging or taking passengers or loading or
unloading of freight, obstruct free passage of other
vehicles in the highway.
Color of headlight of motor vehicle: white or
yellowish white (Sec. 34(c))
Allowable height of top clearance lights: 10 cm (Sec.
34(c))
Color of tail lights within 100 m: Red (Sec. 34(d))
Color of plate light: White ( Sec. 34(d))
Color of brake lights: Bright Red (Sec. 34(e))