With the Holy Week fast approaching, many Filipinos are gearing up for a well-deserved break and a chance to explore new places. While some may opt to travel by air, others prefer to hit the road for a long drive adventure.
If you’re planning to embark on a long drive this Holy Week, it’s important to be prepared and take some precautions to ensure a safe and stress-free journey. To help you make the most out of your road trip, Pioneer Insurance has shared its top five tips for a worry-free Holy Week long drive.
Whether you’re heading to the chilly highlands of Baguio and Tagaytay, the sunny beaches of Zambales, Bataan, La Union, Batangas, or the gastronomic delights and spiritual journey in Pampanga, these tips will help you enjoy your travels to the fullest.
1. Keep your vehicle in good condition
Len Pozon, Marketing Head of Pioneer Insurance Group of Companies, emphasizes the importance of a vehicle’s good condition before embarking on a long drive. No one wants to have their trip ruined by a vehicle breakdown in the middle of nowhere. To prevent such incidents, drivers should make sure that their vehicles are well-maintained and ready for the long drive.
One of the essential checks that drivers should perform is the replacement of oil and other fluids. They should also inspect the brake pads, suspension, battery, and air conditioning, among others, to ensure they are in excellent condition. Pozon underscores that safety is a primary concern and reason for having well-maintained vehicles, especially when going on long trips.
2. Always bring the necessary legal documents
Carrying the proper documents while driving can save you from a lot of hassle and expenses in case of any unexpected traffic incidents. Len Pozon, the Marketing Head of the Pioneer Insurance Group of Companies, emphasizes the importance of bringing your license and vehicle registration (OR/CR) with you whenever you drive.
Pozon warns that not having these essential documents can cause problems during violation disputes with enforcers or in situations where you are in a faraway place. Fines for these violations can be costly, and you could even face penalties for driving without proper documentation. Therefore, it is always best to keep these documents with you while driving to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience.
3. Load up your Expressway RFID Tags sufficiently
According to Pozon, it’s important to remember that you won’t be the only one going on a long drive during the weekend, and as a result, long lines at the toll booth cash lanes are expected. To avoid this, it’s recommended to load your Autosweep and EasyTrip RFIDs with the anticipated toll charges and some additional funds as a precautionary measure.
Moreover, Pozon emphasized that toll plazas are usually a traffic bottleneck on expressways, which can be mitigated by properly installing and adequately loading your RFIDs, enabling you to maximize your time on the road.
4. Prepare to fight hunger, thirst, and boredom
During summer holidays, travel time can be longer due to the high volume of vehicles on the road. To combat boredom during these long drives, Pozon recommends bringing water, food, fully-charged devices, pre-loaded entertainment, and most importantly, patience.
She also advises travelers to bring enough food and water since stopover establishments may be crowded during peak season. In addition, downloading entertainment content on devices beforehand is a wise decision, as mobile internet connectivity may be unreliable in certain areas.
5. Insure your vehicle
To have peace of mind while on the road, it’s important to have your vehicle insured against unexpected incidents. Pioneer Insurance is committed to promoting road safety and providing affordable vehicle insurance, even during the Holy Week and beyond. Len Pozon, Marketing Head of Pioneer Insurance Group of Companies, emphasized the accessibility of their insurance products, such as the Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL) Insurance and RideSure Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance, which can be easily accessed through their website, www.insureshop.ph.
Aside from having insurance, Pozon also shared five tips for hassle-free and enjoyable long drives. These include ensuring that your vehicle is in good condition, bringing necessary documents, loading your RFIDs, packing sufficient food and water, and preparing entertainment content for your devices. By following these tips and having the right insurance coverage, you can have a worry-free and memorable road trip.
