Monday, August 6, 2007

Driving in Metro Manila

Below are the contents of a website I found on the Internet while searching for information about what to do in case of car accidents. I just experienced a car accident last Sunday, 5 August 2007 (See http://raffysaldana.blogspot.com/2007/08/do-you-know-what-to-do-after-car.html ) so the current theme of my blog now is about car accidents:

MANILA ROAD TRAVEL INFORMATION

Source: http://www.cityguide.travel-guides.com/city/75/road/South-East-Asia/Manila.html


"Driving in Manila is not for the faint-hearted, as there is a fairly opportunistic attitude.

In theory, the Filipinos drive on the right and the legal driving age is 18 years. The national roads (expressways), smaller main roads (highways) and smaller streets or alternate roads are all signposted in English. The national speed limit on expressways is 80kph (50mph), falling to 40kph (25mph) in built-up areas of central Manila.

There are drink-driving laws but these are not strictly adhered to. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.10%, approximately equivalent to six bottles of beer. If stopped by the police while driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be fined or will have to spend three to six days in jail and will have to attend an obligatory seminar on the dangers of drink driving.

The general rule is that drivers give way to buses at all times. The safest lane is the outside lane, although drivers will overtake on the inside or on the hard shoulder if there is a gap in the traffic.

Care should be taken when driving at night, especially as many cyclists and even truck drivers may not use lights. Accidents are marked by burning oilcans placed in the road.

Foreign and international driving licences are valid for 90 days from arrival in the country but it is unlikely that one will be asked for your licence once the vehicle is hired. No other documentation is needed apart from your passport.

The Automobile Association Philippines (formerly known as the Philippine Motor Association) 683 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City (tel: (02) 723 0808 or 726 0191), operates a 24-hour emergency breakdown and towing service within Metro Manila. This is free to members. "

Disclaimer: I did not write the quoted article above, so the opinions expressed in the article are not mine.

Raffy
8/7/07, Quezon City

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