Things they didn’t teach in driving schools

Romar Fernando

May 12, 2021

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  Photo Credit: Leith Cars

  Driving in the Philippines might be one of the most challenging things to do. It is caused not just by the traffic situation but also of the not-so-law-abiding behavior of drivers in the country.

  Because of this, it is essential to enroll into a driving school. It is indeed a requirement nowadays in applying for driver’s license.

  But after you were unleashed in the streets of the country, most especially in Metro Manila, have you realize that the on ground situation is far from what is taught in the driving school?

  Of course, instructors shall teach you the basics of driving, how to handle the steering wheel, of the gear shift, how to manage speed using the gas, break, and accelerator, and how to look into the surroundings through the windshield’s line of sight, side mirrors, and rear mirror.

  But here are some things that you might encounter while driving in our city streets:

  

  Photo Credit: NLEX Corporation

  First is the aspect of going too slow in highways is actually dangerous. Instructors in driving schools usually tell you to ‘drive moderately.’ But this doesn’t apply when you are driving in the middle of Commonwealth Avenue or the North Luzon Expressway. Driving slow in the middle of the highway can make more of a hazard rather than a ‘defensive driver.’ Identifying speed limits in certain roads is of primary importance before kicking off into travel.

  

  Photo Credit: Rappler

  Then, please be aware, that in our culture, nobody will let you pass. Have you imagine yourself in the middle of a traffic jam and every vehicle wanted to switch lanes? Frankly, it is always a dog-eat-dog out there on our streets. Sometimes, it has become one of the common source of minor accidents, the crazy things of driving just to get an inch ahead in traffic.

  

  Photo Credit: Top Gear Philippines

  Another thing to consider is the vehicular food chain. Food chain is to consider the road as jungle. Imagine you’re driving a sedan, and suddenly, in the middle of EDSA, you found yourself in the middle of two raging buses. Few moments later, you’ve encountered an SUV or a van cutting in your lane. It is as if there’s a predator-prey relationship on the road. If you’re too small with a sedan or a hatchback, you’re the prey. If you’re a truck, bus, SUV or a van, you’re the predator dominating the road with arrogance and speed. Whether we like or not, hierarchy remains present on the road.

  

  Photo Credit: Visor PH

  Next are the undying ticket traps. Traffic enforcement on roads are one of our biggest lapses in law enforcement. Law enforcers are law ‘creators’ as well. Traffic enforcers, sometimes, have their own sets of rules to unlawfully apprehend motorists in critical like intersections and center islands with full of plants and trees. Just make sure to be aware of traffic rules and regulations to make yourself armed in case that you have entered into those kinds of inconveniences.

  Driving is just like surviving in a jungle. It can be summarized by Bear Grylls infamous quip: Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome. We just stay vigilant of what is happening around us. Don’t forget the basics while eyes are on the road.

  Stay safe and sound.

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