DRIVING REVIEWER

1. How to determine whether or not you have the right of way

"I have the right of way." We've heard it time and time again--often from motorists who have a
penchant for driving straight through intersections in the absence of a stoplight. Yes, right of way means
you can go ahead and cross, but are you entirely sure it's really you who has it?
You see that image above? It's what happens when everyone has the right of way. Give it a few minutes
and it'll eventually develop into a full-on logjam. We guarantee it.
Basically, right of way determines whether or not a driver can proceed, or should give way to a fellow
motorist. Here are a few important things you should always keep in mind regarding the rules of right of
way:
1) If a vehicle arrives at an intersection before you, it has the right of way. No, speed doesn't determine
who has right of way, buddy. If you see that a fellow driver is already waiting at an intersection before
you get there, the proper move would be to give way--not speed up to get ahead.
2) If two cars get to an intersection at the same time, the one to the right has right of way. So both of
you reach the intersection simultaneously. If the other driver is crossing from the right side, you must
give way.
3) When turning left at intersections, you will only have right of way if you use your turn signal at least
30 meters before reaching the intersection. If there are cars arriving or already too close to the
intersection, give allowance or make a full stop and let them pass.
4) How about roundabouts or merging onto a highway? If a car has made a full stop on a side street
prior to merging, it has right of way. If you are merging or entering a roundabout, let any cars already
within the intersection pass first before proceeding.
5) Give way to emergency vehicles. No, that siren doesn’t mean it's opening up traffic for you to tag
along behind it. If you spot an emergency vehicle, get to the right side of the road and wait until it has
passed. This is a rule that many drivers stuck in traffic disregard entirely.
6) When pulling out of your driveway and driving into a public road, you must always stop to give way to
passing cars on a public road. They have the right of way.
7) Pedestrians have right of way. Always yield to a person who is crossing the street. If a vehicle is
stopped in front of you to let a pedestrian cross, don't overtake it even if your light turns green. You
must wait for the individual to make it to the other side before proceeding.
All right, we know some of these rules are near-impossible to follow because Manila's roads are chaotic,
but try to set an example. Just because the jeeps, buses or other motorists don't follow them doesn't
mean these rules aren't there. Society will thank you for it.
2. WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOUR TYRE BURSTS?
TYRES-TIPS/GUIDES
20 APR 2018
Sometimes we are lucky enough to catch a puncture early or notice a defect upfront and we are able to
fix it before we run into trouble. Unfortunately, sometimes we find ourselves at high speed in the flow
of traffic when a tyre bursts.
We’ve compiled step-by-step guide on what to do in that situation so you don’t panic when it happens.
Step 1: Watch your speed
The lower your speed the better chance you have of surviving this incident. Excessive speed combined
with a blow out could quickly cause you to lose control of your vehicle so try your best to stick to the
speed limit in general, especially if you’re already worried about your tyres.
Step 2:  Do not slam on the brakes
Our natural instinct in the event of an accident or car issue is to slam on the brakes and stop
immediately. However, in this case it is the absolutely worst thing you could possibly do. It will throw
the vehicle off balance, send you into a spin, or simply cause you to lose control completely.
Step 3: Do not release the accelerator suddenly.                             
Ideally, you should begin to slow down but you must do this slowly. The deceleration force caused by
the burst tyre will cause your car to slow down rapidly so it is best to maintain your speed and then
gradually ease off.
Step 4: Keep the vehicle going straight ahead
You need to focus on your steering to ensure that you continue travelling straight in order to avoid any
collisions following the blowout. Your car will swerve in the direction of the blowout but you should be
able to remain in control.
Step 5: Do not over correct
When you first feel the swerve of your car after the blowout, it may be tempting to panic and turn the
steering wheel hard in the other direction. Unfortunately, this will only make the loss of control more
likely. Rather do your best to keep it straight as detailed in the previous step.
Step 6: Let your vehicle coast to a stop
Let your vehicle come to a gradual stop, using engine braking if necessary. Ensure it is safe for you and
your car to stop there before stopping and once you have come to a complete standstill turn on your
emergency or hazard lights.
If you take these 6 steps seriously and happen to remember them in an emergency, you should be able
to survive a blowout unscathed. If you want to know how to change your tyre after you’ve successfully
managed to stop on the side of the road, then it’s definitely time to check out our Quickademy video on
tyre changing.
To find new tyres to replace the old worn out ones head over here or visit your nearest Supa Quick tyre
dealer for expert advice.
Also read:
What do the symbols on a tyre mean?
What are the dangers of worn tyres?
Why do the nuts need to be removed in a specific order when changing a tyre?
The benefits of maintaining perfect tyre pressure
3. How to set up an early warning device
In case of an emergency

PHOTO BY JASON TULIO

By law, every car is required to carry an  early warning device (EWD) at all times. While every
motorist knows (or at least should know) that these devices are used in emergency situations,
we're never actually taught how to set them up properly. Search online and there's a myriad of
suggestions on how to go about it. The Land Transportation Office's (LTO) memorandum, for
example, suggests putting one triangle in front and one behind the vehicle.
What we've outlined here is one method you can employ in case an emergency rises, based on
a set-up with two triangles. Let's get started:

PHOTO BY JASON TULIO

1) Find a safe spot to pull over.

Make sure you're not blocking the traffic behind you. When you do pull over, turn on your
hazard lights. 
PHOTO BY JASON TULIO

2) Set up the red triangle.

The LTO recommends putting it at least 4m away from your vehicle. In this photo, we placed it
at 6m. If you're pulled over on the highway, you'll likely have to place it even further away since
the other cars will be traveling at a faster speed. 
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

PHOTO BY JASON TULIO

3) Set up the yellow triangle. The purpose of this second triangle is to warn other motorists
from a distance that there is a hazard up ahead. Set this one up around 6m away from the red
triangle. Again, if you're on a highway, you'll need to place it even further than that. 

Remember, use your common sense and be mindful of your surroundings when setting up your
EWD. Drive safely!
4. Pedestrian Safety Tips
• Cross streets at a corner, using traffic signals where available and crosswalks.
• Always look left, right, and left again before crossing a street, and keep watching as you cross. Be
aware that drivers have differing levels of eyesight and skill in operating
motor vehicles.
• Pedestrians should be especially careful at intersections, where drivers may fail to yield
the right-of-way to pedestrians while turning onto another street.
Make sure you are seen:
a)   Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets.
b)   Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night.
c)   Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.
• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic on the edge
of the road, as far from the travel lane as possible.
Walk defensively and be ready for unexpected events. Know what’s going on around you and don’t
allow your vision to be blocked by clothing, hats, or items that you are carrying.
 Watch the pedestrian signals, not the traffic signal, and follow the “WALK/DON’T WALK” lights (they’re
set up to help you cross safely). Look for pedestrian push buttons for crossing protection at signalized
intersections.
 Watch out for parked vehicles. Parking lots can be as dangerous as streets.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs as they can impair your ability to walk safely.
• When crossing, use all of your senses and don’t use your cell phone for calls and texting.
• Use particular caution when crossing driveways and alley entrances. Drivers may not expect you to be
there or see you.
• Adults should supervise children when crossing streets. Smaller children may be difficult for drivers to
see and young children may not be able to judge whether it is safe to cross a street.
Motorists need to be vigilant of pedestrians and pedestrians need to be vigilant of motorists. Although
motorists have more responsibility under the law when operating a motor vehicle on city streets,
pedestrians have more at stake.
The Department of Public and Environmental Safety is working with university officials and our partners
in the cities of Somerville and Medford to improve pedestrian safety on and around campus.
Please use this information and these safety tips to travel in and around campus safely.

5. Who Has the Right of Way?

The concept of the right of way is important to understand since the law never really grants the right of
way. The law simply states when the right of way must be yielded. Right of way can be used when the
law permits its use by requiring that others yield the right of way to you. Failure to yield the right of way
leads to crashes in all states. There are some ways for you to reduce this probability when you are
driving however. Right of way must be yielded to other drivers in the following instances:
At a yield sign;
To pedestrians in a crosswalk;
To persons using a seeing eye guide dog;
To persons using a white cane with or without a red tip;
At uncontrolled intersections where vehicles are already in the intersection;
At 'T' intersections where you must yield to vehicles on the through road;
When turning left in which case you must yield to oncoming pedestrians, cars, etc.;
When driving on an unpaved road that intersections with a paved road; and
When returning to the roadway after the car is parked.
Who has the right of way?
The law gives the right of way to no one, but it does state who must yield (give up) the right of way.
Every driver, motorcyclist, moped rider, bicyclist, and pedestrian must do everything possible to avoid a
crash. When you yield the right of way to another vehicle, you are letting them go before you in the
traffic situation. Few areas of traffic safety are more misunderstood than the 'Yield to the Driver on the
Right' rule. This is the rule that controls most intersections when drivers arrive at an intersection
simultaneously.
For instance, you come upon a stop sign at the same time as another driver in a cross street and he is on
your right. You yield (give up) the right of way to that driver by letting him go first. If you reach an
uncontrolled intersection at close to the same time, the vehicle who actually reached the intersection
last is the driver who must yield the right of way. If you reach the intersection at the same time, the
driver on the left should yield the right of way.
Pedestrians must always be yielded the right of way at intersections and crosswalks. Bicycles, since they
are considered 'vehicles,' are subject to the same rules as other drivers; they are not always granted the
right of way. When turning left at an intersection, you must yield to oncoming traffic. When merging
into traffic, do not attempt to merge if the driver behind you must slow down to let you in. You must, of
course, yield the right of way to emergency vehicles and construction vehicles and workers, as well as to
school buses during the instances we have already discussed.
If two vehicles meet on a narrow mountain road in which there is only room for one vehicle to travel at
a time, the vehicle going downhill must yield to the vehicle traveling uphill. The downhill vehicle should
pull over enough to allow the other vehicle through; unless it is more practical for the uphill vehicle to
find a wider space or turnout.
The driver should be aware of the areas in which he drives most frequently and should have a general
knowledge of other frequently traveled streets or roadways as well. The driver should not be influenced
by friends or peer groups when driving and should make his or her own decisions in regard to routes,
speed, etc. The driver should know which intersections or thoroughfares are more apt to have crashes
and should avoid them. The driver should consider how the right of way will affect his or her travel and
should use his or her own discretion as to travel plans and the environment.
Should you ever insist on the right of way?
The driver should never assume that other drivers will start or complete any maneuver and should never
insist on the right of way nor attempt to force their way into traffic. Drivers should try to anticipate
other driver's actions as well as yielding whenever needed or required by law. Giving up the right of way
to other drivers also helps to avoid crashes, as does gaining eye contact with all operators of motor
vehicles that come directly into conflict with you. Drivers should attempt to be both courteous and
conscientious toward other drivers.

SafeMotorist.com Driving Safety Articles:

This article was written by SafeMotorist.com defensive driving staff writers and reviewed for accuracy by
defensive driving instructors. All articles are based on current traffic laws and defensive driving
practices. This article is intended for educational purposes only, and should not be taken as legal advice
or literal interpretation of any specific traffic law.
6. 10 Things Drivers Should Do in Case of an Accident
October 1, 2007 • by Staff

If a vehicle cannot be moved and no injuries have occurred, drivers and passengers should remain in the
vehicle with seat belts fastened until help arrives. Turn on hazard lights and if safe to do so, place cones,
flares, or warning triangles.
Photo courtesy of Wiki Commons
According to the latest available government figures, nearly 6.2 million police-reported motor vehicle
crashes occurred on U.S. highways in 2005 — one every five seconds. And National Safety Council
statistics report that some 20 million drivers — nearly 10% of all U.S. drivers — were involved in an auto
accident in 2006.
In the face of such numbers, even the most careful driver can suddenly encounter bad luck on the road.
What should drivers do when the inevitable happens? The following 10 steps will help drivers get
through the immediate aftermath of a crash while helping cover their companies’ administrative and
legal concerns.
1. STOP!
When involved in a crash, however slight, do not leave the scene until speaking with the other driver,
the police, or both.
2. Stay Calm
Remain as calm as possible, avoid any inclination to react in anger, particularly when encountering
another driver behaving irrationally.
3. Keep Safety First
When involved in a minor accident with no serious injuries, move the vehicles and occupants safely to
the side of the road, out of the way of traffic. If a vehicle cannot be moved and no injuries have
occurred, drivers and passengers should remain in the vehicle with seat belts fastened until help arrives.
Turn on hazard lights and if safe to do so, place cones, flares, or warning triangles.
4. Call for Medical Assistance
Call for emergency medical help if anyone involved in the crash is bleeding, feels lightheaded, or is
suffering any physical injury. Always err on the side of caution and call for help. Unless someone at the
scene is specifically trained in emergency medical procedures, wait until help arrives before attempting
to move a person or perform emergency aid.
5. Contact the Police
Calling the police from the crash site is the best action. If the driver cannot contact the local law
enforcement, he or she should instruct someone else to do so. Police officers can address traffic
infractions and take notes for the incident record.
6. Do Not Admit Fault
Do not discuss specific details of the accident with anyone except the police. Be polite, but don’t admit
fault to the other driver or the police, even if the driver’s actions led to the crash.
7. Contact Your Employer
Call the company fleet manager, the accident management company representative, or, if applicable,
the insurance company as soon as possible. If your employer’s fleet policy mandates, file a state vehicle
accident report. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.
8. Photograph and Document the Accident
Carry a disposable camera in the car to photograph the damage to all vehicles involved (these can be
more dependeable than a cell phone which may run out of power). Include photos that reveal the
overall context of the crash — road conditions, intersection site, traffic signs or lights, etc.
Record in writing all pertinent information concerning the incident, including:
The Incident. The time and date, a description and exact location of the accident scene, and any
recollection of your vehicle’s handling or mechanical functioning immediately prior to the crash.
Involved Parties. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, vehicle and driver’s license numbers, and
insurance carriers.
Witnesses. Names, addresses, and contact information.
Police Officers. Names, badge numbers, where to obtain a copy of the police report, and issuance of any
citations.'
9. Be Prepared for an Accident 
Place in the vehicle glove compartment copies of such important documents as:
Insurance company ID card.
Valid vehicle registration.
Medical alerts detailing personal allergy or health conditions that may require special attention if you
are seriously injured.
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. At a minimum, this kit should include:
Road flares or warning triangles.
Brightly colored cloth to tie to the driver-side door.
Disposable camera.
Flashlight with fully charged batteries.
First aid kit.
Basic tool kit.
Duct tape.
Pad of paper and pen.
10. If Someone Needs Help in an Accident
If the driver encounters an accident scene and wishes to offer immediate help, pull the vehicle off the
road ahead of the crash site. Do not park in back of the accident; your vehicle will be vulnerable to traffic
and could block the view of emergency or police vehicles as they arrive at the scene.
Determine first if anyone has sustained injuries and, if needed, immediately call for medical assistance.
7. Illegal Parking Laws in the Philippines: How not to be a Parking Jerk

Updated Aug 04, 2020

It's worth to note these illegal parking laws in the Philippines if you don't want to your car to be towed
by the MMDA.

The advent of modernization and economic growth brings forth prosperity and more purchasing power
for a country’s citizens but as the great Notorious BIG once said: “Mo money, mo problems".

Economic development brings along with it problems such as pollution, overpopulation, the rising cost
of living and gentrification and with a densely packed metropolis such as Metro Manila, it seems like
another problem has arisen that can actually hinder economic advancement and urban development:
the parking situation.

With car owners ignoring parking rules and regulations it has been seen to be a primary factor in the
major gridlocks in the Metro every day.

More people leads to more traffic leads to more headaches

Imagine 12.8 million inhabitants packed together in an area just around the size of Singapore, which by
the way only has a population of around half that number. Parking requirements also differ from city to
city within the Metropolitan area each having their own car parking laws.

This makes it even more confusing and difficult for the average driver who just wants to park their car in
peace knowing they won't be coming back to a blank space with a ticket taped to the pavement.

Everyone is jostling for position and paying high premiums for parking

Today, we will be discussing the different laws against illegal car parking in the Philippines, because it is
much easier to know what not to do instead of what to do. That’s the sad reality of things in Metro
Manila. Welcome to the Jungle, Baby!
1. Parking Policy in the Philippines
Generally speaking, you cannot park on the side of the road with a NO PARKING signage on it, nor can
you stop and wait inside your car lest you want to be fined for a parking obstruction law violation. You
can park on streets without No Parking signs as long as it a not a private road with its own car park
rules and adhere to these following exceptions:
At or inside an intersection
Never Block a Driveway
Double Parking or stopping on the driver’s side section of a stopped or parked vehicle
Within a crosswalk
within the vicinity of footbridges
All major national roads.
Stay away at least 4 meters from a fire hydrant
Stay away at least 6 meters from the intersection of curb lines
Stay away at least 4 meters from the entrance to and fire station

If you don't want to get towed, there are a few simple rules to follow

As you can see the general parking policy in the Philippines, and basically everywhere is to not hinder
traffic movement, entry or exit to and from homes and to never obstruct fire and other safety-related
services and pedestrians. It’s not that hard, just don’t be a jerk or get flagged for a parking violation.
Let’s discuss some of these major No-No in parking.

2. Blocking/Parking on a Driveway

One of the most trigger inducing moves any driver can do against their fellow man is blocking their own
driveway. Not only is this disrespectful but in case of emergency, the occupant would not be able to
freely drive out of their own garage. These are the things that can get people to post you on Facebook
and tell on you to local TV host Raffy Tulfo.

Parking on the driveway is a mortal sin and the No Parking Law in the Philippines has your back. No need
to make a huge fuss about this as you can report the cretin to the local government unit responsible and
they would do the rest.
Blocking the driveway is dangerous as it hinders exit in emergencies

>>> Related: Is it really illegal to block a driveway in the Philippines?

3. Parking Laws in Residential Areas

As if it weren’t enough that each City within the Metro Manila area has its own Parking regulation and
No Parking Law, you will also have to learn each village’s and residential area's specific guidelines. These
areas are considered to be private areas so abiding by their own rules is a must or risk earning a
violation.

Within the walls of these residential areas, they strictly adhere to no double parking laws and
obstruction laws due to the narrow roads. Also, keep in mind that most of these villages are gated
communities so be wary about blocking driveways.

Residential areas are mostly gated communities with strict parking laws

>>> Useful tips to find a parking lot in the Philippines: 

The guide to paid parking and parking spaces for rent in Manila

A guide to Parking in BGC: List of popular parking lot with respective rates

4. Law parking in front of the garage

If you have your own garage but have multiple cars and both of them would not fit, is it okay to park
right in front of your own garage? This is quite a tricky question because, on the one hand, you are not
obstructing someone else’s driveway but your own and therefore aren’t really hurting anyone.

Traffic police may see this as a violation nonetheless as your car is still creating an obstruction but not
for cars or for the reason you think it is.
This is the best example of how NOT to park

>>> Read more: 6 reasons to park your car in a garage

5. Laws against sidewalk parking

The previous point leads us to this matter, you cannot park along the sidewalk. If your car sticks out of
your own property and is parked on the curb or sidewalk it obstructs people from walking freely on the
designated sidewalk opening them up to harm due to oncoming traffic.

You can see this a lot along the streets of Manila and other cities without proper parking. Ushers will
actually let you park along the sidewalk which is not the right thing to do. You risk yourself being issued
a ticket for your trouble and no it’s not to the latest Post Malone concert.

Parking on the sidewalk is dangerous for pedestrians

>>> Also check out: 8 car parking etiquettes that every Filipino drivers should practice

6. Parking law: Parking on the street

Street parking is like manna from heaven. You can see this implemented in Makati City within the streets
of Barangay San Lorenzo and the execution is great. They do charge quite a fee for it and you are limited
to 3 hours but sometimes that time is all you need.

Maybe you just need to grab a bite or have a quick meeting. Street parking is not utilized in all cities due
to the sizes of the street, otherwise, it is illegal to park on the side of the street especially major
thoroughfares unless otherwise allowed to do so.

Street parking is a god-send and can earn the city money

7. Fines for illegal parking 

As just announced by MMDA last December 2019 the fine for illegal parking in the Philippines has been
increased and stated as below:

Illegal parking Fine

Illegal parking (Attended vehicles) From P200 to P1000

Illegal parking (Unattended vehicles) From P500 to P2000

Obstruction From P150 to P1000

>>> Worth to note: 7 Most Expensive Fines for Traffic Violations in the Philippines (MMDA)

So there you have it, boys and girls, illegal parking law Philippines need not belong litanies or reading
dogma and brushing up on law school 101. As long as you are mindful of your actions and considerate of
everyone, you won’t have that many hassles with the fuzz.

Keep in mind that parking, very much like driving relies on a lot of common sense and discipline. So stay
safe out there and keep following us at Philkotse.com to keep up with news, reviews, and features on
everything about Philippine Motoring and car culture.