Let’s go for a fuel economy ride

Over the Halloween break, I got to meet one of my cousins, Oliver, who lives abroad. As we were chatting, I found out that the last time he was back here was a really long time ago, and he was surprised that so many things ran differently in the Philippines. The topic of driving came up, and the usual barrage of negative comments came up: drivers with no manners on the road, irresponsible motorists, and the unbelievable traffic jams that are a daily part of our lives. This got me thinking, because all of this mayhem can be avoided.

Attending Petron’s Fuel Drive, a driving clinic committed to upholding and encouraging responsible motoring at the CCP complex in Manila, was a reminder about how much better road conditions would be if some drivers do not take the basic driving essentials for granted.

Proper driving basics and techniques, simple checks and tips, car and engine maintenance, using the right fuel for your vehicle, fuel economy, and following traffic rules and laws, seem so ordinary that we sometimes tend to overlook them. At the clinic, emphasis on proper braking, taking U-turns and parking were part of the practical driving exercises. Come to think of it, these factors cause much delay for motorists on the road. In Metro Manila roads where U-turns are standard, I have witnessed vehicles getting clipped by others who take the U-turns too widely.

Petron’s Fuel Drive activity was a good way to emphasize that avoiding traffic and automobile maladies starts with being aware of the basic rules. Simple training (or re-training for some people) in common sense, judgment, and anticipation on the road would definitely improve the state of Filipino driving.

A special treat for all the participants of the Fuel Drive was the presence of Philippine racing legend Pocholo Ramirez and his sons Kookie and Louis. They were the lecturers for the day, and one couldn’t help but pay close attention to everything they were saying. They are the respected experts, after all. And racers, as my brother Paulo has constantly emphasized, are probably the safest drivers around. They may be speed demons on the track, but what they know about safety in racing makes them all the more safer when they are out on the road. The application of track safety is just as useful in a race as it is in driving around on public roads.

The Fuel Drive clinic also tackled several practical issues in saving time, money, and effort. All this is useful information especially in these times when every peso really counts. First, there is the importance of proper maintenance of your automobile. When followed correctly, this can save you a lot of money. Engine breakdowns are a result of the improper upkeep of the automobile, and can cost you an arm and a leg. Checking engine fluids and the viscosity of the engine oil can seem trite, but the small effort can help you steer clear of extra costs on your car. Best of all, participants were given tips on how to drive with fuel economy in mind, such as the keeping the rpm at mid-level, anticipating the flow of the traffic to avoid sudden stops and spurts; and others.

The main sponsor of the Fuel Drive clinic was Petron Xtra Unleaded fuel. Perhaps this fuel is the best example of the savings that can be made with proper driving. We all know the commercial and print ad of a Honda Jazz, driven by Pocholo Ramirez, that made it from Pagudpud, Ilocos to Sorsogon on one full tank of gasoline – an amazing total of 1,114 kilometers. The car’s gas tank was filled with Petron Xtra Unleaded, and the almost unbelievable mileage that was attained was a combination of Xtra Unleaded’s efficiency as a fuel, and Pocholo Ramirez’s knowledge and skill as an efficient driver.

The driving clinic got me thinking: proper driving clinics on responsible motoring are not standard when people apply for their licenses in this country. Certainly, we have the practical driving portion before we get our licenses, but perhaps this isn’t enough. With all the road hogs, one also wonders if the correct and responsible driving skills are taught by properly trained and responsible driving instructors. Getting a driver’s license is not a "right" meant for everyone, as a vehicle can become a lethal weapon in the hands of an irresponsible driver.

On my frequent weekend drives home to Baguio, for example, I sometimes get caught in traffic gridlock in the vicinity of Luisita in Tarlac. As I keep to my lane and patiently wait for the traffic to move, I am appalled by government vehicles with red plates, or tinted SUV’s escorted by motorcycles with blaring sirens who counterflow. It is annoying.

Responsible motoring isn’t just about driving well or driving an efficient vehicle. It is about following the rules and being a considerate and law-abiding motorist as well. And of course, this rule should apply to whoever you are or what office you hold. Or have our roads and highways become a stage where drivers assert their so-called "power" too?