10 Tips for a Smarter and Safer Drive this Summer

MANILA, Philippines – In time for your great summer outing, Ford offers 10 resolutions for you to start your vacation right – safe and in control in the driver’s seat. With Ford’s full vehicle line-up packed with safety features and smart technology, these handy “know-hows” will surely make your trip more enjoyable this summer.

1. Click it – even when you’re not worried about a ticket. Always buckle that safety seatbelt – no exceptions. In 2009 alone, 64,747 reports were related to car accidents, according to the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS). Those statistics make the extra two seconds to click on the belt when you travel even more worthwhile – and to make sure your passengers do too.

2. Keep your eyes on the road ― not on your cell phone. Avoid unnecessary distractions. According to a 100-car study conducted by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, driver inattention that may involve looking away from the road for more than a few seconds is a factor in nearly 80 percent of accidents. That means no texting – no message is that important! Some of Ford’s latest vehicles, such as the all-new Ford Fiesta Sport Hatchback and the Ford Expedition are equipped with connectivity and entertainment technology such as Bluetooth Voice Control and Ford SYNC, allowing you to take voice calls or change radio stations while making sure that your full concentration is still on the road.

3. Read a good book – like your owners’ manual. Yes, the one that’s been languishing in your glove compartment. Reading through it gives you valuable safety information and could even save you money. For instance, Ford owners might be surprised to learn that they don’t need oil changes every 5,000 kilometers like they used to. Many new Ford models allow 10,000 kilometers between oil changes.

4. Be in a condition to drive — or don’t drive at all. According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), most accidents in Metro Manila occur between 9:00 pm to 3:00 am. This is due to fatigue, intoxication, high speed and disregard for traffic lights. If you know that you are not in the proper condition to drive a vehicle after a fun night out with your friends or if you are tired from a long day in the office, have a dependable driver or friend to drop you off instead.

5. Find out how technology is working to keep you safer. Today’s vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that keeps you safe – but drivers need to understand these features. With ABS technology, pumping the brakes turns the anti-lock brake system on and off, which decreases braking efficiency and increases your stopping distance. ABS pumps the brakes automatically at a much faster rate than you could manually and allows better steering control.

6. Learn to parallel park. Many of us dread the experience of learning to parallel park. Even after years of driving, some still hesitate, faced with the prospect of blocking traffic while steering into a street-side space. Ford collaborated with the MIT New England University Transportation Center on a nine-month research project that evaluated stressful driving activities – and parallel parking ranked highest. So let this year be the year you master the art of parallel parking – or let technology help. Ford is equipping more vehicles with Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) that uses an electric motor to provide steering assistance. This technology not only helps you steer your vehicle easier while on the road, it also helps you position the vehicle for parallel parking, eliminating much of the stress. And MIT researchers say reducing stress make us better drivers.

7. Listen to your mother – sit up straight. Make sure your car seat and headrest are adjusted correctly to give you optimum support. Your legs shouldn’t be overstretched to reach the pedals; you should be able to glance up and out at your mirrors with ease.

8. Check your pressure on all four tires – and the spare. Don’t confuse the “maximum tire pressure” written on the sidewall of the tire with the “recommended tire pressure” provided by the manufacturer – that’s found in that handy owner’s manual you’ve resolved to read and on a sticker conveniently located on the driver’s side door jamb. Also, show your spare you care by storing it in the trunk, where it will return the favor by getting you out of a jam should one of your tires spring a leak.

9. Take a cue from the Boy Scouts ― Be Prepared. Weather conditions in the Philippines have been quite unpredictable, so make sure you’re carrying the essentials in case you get stuck or stranded. We recommend your list include water, blankets, granola bars, a few road flares, a good flashlight (and extra batteries) and jumper cables.

10. 4, 3, 2 … If you’re counting down to the start of summer break – stop right here. Remember the two-second rule. The vehicle in front of you should be passing a road marker two seconds before you to assure you’re not tailgating. Some drivers’ manuals even recommend a three-second rule. Remember, your summer’s goal is to get acquainted with YOUR car, not the one in front of you!