DRIVING

Driving a car requires careful attention and adherence to traffic laws and safety
regulations. Here are the basic steps to drive a car:
1. Familiarize yourself with the car's controls: Before starting the car, familiarize
yourself with the location and function of the pedals (accelerator, brake, and
clutch if applicable), gear shift, steering wheel, turn signals, headlights, windshield
wipers, and other controls.
2. Adjust your seat and mirrors: Adjust the driver's seat so that you can reach the
pedals comfortably and have a clear view of the road. Adjust the rearview and
side mirrors so that you can see the traffic behind and beside you.
3. Fasten your seatbelt: Always wear your seatbelt for your safety and the safety of
your passengers.
4. Start the engine: Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to start the engine. If
you have a push-button start, follow the manufacturer's instructions for starting
the car.
5. Put the car in gear: If you have a manual transmission, depress the clutch pedal,
shift to the desired gear, and slowly release the clutch pedal while simultaneously
pressing the accelerator. If you have an automatic transmission, put the car in
"Drive" or "D" mode.
6. Accelerate and brake smoothly: Use your right foot to control the accelerator and
brake pedals. Apply gentle pressure to the accelerator to gradually increase
speed, and release it to slow down. Use the brake pedal to slow down or stop the
car, applying firm but smooth pressure.
7. Steer the car: Hold the steering wheel with both hands and turn it in the direction
you want the car to go. Use smooth and gradual movements to steer the car, and
avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers.
8. Observe traffic laws and signs: Obey traffic laws, including speed limits, stop
signs, traffic signals, and other road signs. Always yield to pedestrians and other
vehicles when required.
9. Use turn signals: Use your turn signals to indicate your intention to turn or
change lanes. Signal early and consistently, and remember to turn off your
signals after completing your maneuver.
10. Maintain a safe following distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you to allow for sufficient stopping distance in case of an emergency. The
recommended following distance is at least 3 seconds.
11. Stay focused and avoid distractions: Avoid distractions while driving, such as
using your phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Keep your eyes on the road and
your hands on the wheel at all times.
12. Park safely: When parking, use your turn signals, check your surroundings, and
follow local parking regulations. Always engage the parking brake and turn off
the engine when leaving the car.
Remember that driving is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. Always drive
defensively, be aware of your surroundings, and prioritize safety at all times. It's also a
good idea to take formal driving lessons from a qualified instructor to learn the rules of
the road and gain practical experience before driving on your own.
Minor Accidents
1. Safety First
The principal concern during a car accident is the safety and well-being of everyone
involved. Alight from your vehicle and take pictures of the situation whatever happens.
2. Do Not Cause Traffic
After that, the drivers should pull their vehicles out of the road immediately so that they're
both clear of oncoming traffic. Use flares or cones, if you have them, to alert other drivers,
and turn on your hazard lights so that you can be more visible. Call the MMDA Hotline 136,
and ask for assistance. Do not leave the scene of an accident--even a minor one--until
everything has been resolved to everyone's satisfaction.
3. Once the initial shock wears off and it's apparent that no one's been seriously hurt,
tempers may flare. Refrain from losing your temper. Get the other driver's name, address,
contact information and insurance details, and provide the same for him (this is why it's a
good idea to carry your insurance information in your vehicle). See if an amicable
settlement can be made. If not, call the MMDA hotline 1-3-6, and ask for traffic
enforcers/investigators to be present on the scene immediately. Remain at the scene until
the investigators arrive and tell you that you can go.
4. Insurance and Repairs
With the basics taken care of, it's time to see about the damage to your car and how you
can go about getting it fixed. If you can, call your insurance agent immediately while you're
still at the scene and ask him about repairs. Keep in touch with the traffic investigators, and
file a report on the accident if they ask.
Major Accidents
1. Check if anyone is hurt.
Check yourself and your passengers to see if anyone has been injured. If someone is hurt,
summon medical assistance right away, or dial MMDA 1-3-6 and ask for a medical team and
a traffic investigator to go to the scene.
2. Make sure to take pictures of the accident.
Once your condition and that of your passengers has been established, take pictures. This is
the best arguing tool that you can have. Photos showing the vehicles and the surrounding
area can help get you out of a bind if the other person denies what happened. Make sure to
take pictures of both vehicles, (including license plates), and the area in which the accident
occurred.
3. Move your vehicle off to the side of the road if possible.

It is unsafe to continue to sit in traffic and a two-car fender bender could turn into a
multiple-car pileup very quickly. If you are unable to move your vehicle, make sure to stay
in the area of the incident until the investigators arrives.
4. Let the investigator take command of the situation, and institute measures to
prevent the accident from getting worse.
When the police arrive, you will want to get their names so that you can refer back them
later when reviewing the accident details. Additionally, you shouldn't rely solely on the
police report to tell your side of the story.
5. Exchange information with the other driver.
If involved in an accident with another driver, make sure to exchange the following
information with that driver: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy
number, driver's license number and license plate number. You also should write a
description of each vehicle, including the make, model, year and color.
6. Contact your insurance company and know what your policy covers.
After exchanging information with the other driver, you next move should be to contact
your insurance company to let them know that you've been in an accident and to give them
your version of the events. Additionally, you should be aware of what exactly your policy
covers. You might find out that the actual cost to repair your car manageable enough to
avoid going through your insurer and incurring a premium hike.
7. File an accident report with the police department.
Having a police report on hand can assist in speeding up the insurance claims process. You
can file a report at your local police station.

DRIVING

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DRIVING

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Driving a car requires careful attention and adherence to traffic laws and safety

regulations. Here are the basic steps to drive a car:

2. Do Not Cause Traffic

4. Insurance and Repairs

1. Check if anyone is hurt.

2. Make sure to take pictures of the accident.

3. Move your vehicle off to the side of the road if possible.

5. Exchange information with the other driver.

7. File an accident report with the police department.

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