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SCTEX prepares for La Nina
Issues safety tips for driving in bad weather
Author: BCDA
Posted: June 07, 2010 | Category: SCTEX
The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), builder and owner of the country’s longest expressway the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), has instructed its interim single service provider—the consortium of First Philippine Holdings Corporation, Egis Road Operation and Tollways Management Corporation to prepare the necessary road safety features for the onset of the stormy “La Nina” season.
Designed to conform with global safety standards, the SCTEX handles an average daily traffic of some 30,000 vehicles.
“While driving conditions are ideal at the moment, thanks to the summer weather we continue to enjoy, the situation is expected to change once the rainy season begins,” said Robert C. Gervacio, BCDA program manager for operational support services and spokesman. “And, according to PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), that should happen within a couple of weeks.”
One of the first things affected by the change in weather conditions is visibility. Rain greatly reduces visibility and so the BCDA advise drivers to use their wipers and, if necessary, even their headlights.
In fact, the BCDA is advising drivers to use their headlights (when they cannot see beyond 100 meters in front of them) even when it is not raining, as in the case of foggy mornings or when thick smoke from burning hay or grass in the nearby rice fields covers portions of the expressway). When this happens, drivers are urged to keep a safe distance from the vehicles ahead of them. If visibility becomes almost zero, they should gradually slow down and park for safety on the shoulder while they keep their vehicles’ hazard lights flashing. Once visibility improves, they may then rejoin the expressway traffic carefully and resume their travel.
When it rains, the road becomes wet and, as a result, stopping distances will, at least, be twice those required for stopping on dry roads. This is due to the fact that tires have less grip or traction on the road and may, in some occasions, be running on water, a risky condition known as “hydroplaning.” In these conditions, BCDA tips urge drivers to:
• Keep enough distance between them and the vehicle in front. This will increase their ability to see and plan ahead.
• If the steering wheel becomes unresponsive, it probably means that the water is preventing the tires from gripping the road. The driver should ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
• The rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen. Drivers must be extra cautious and make sure that their wipers are working.
Built according to international standards, SCTEX has a number of safety features that include 24/7 mobile patrols with eight relay stations, speed tracking radars, traffic management teams, 24/7 emergency medical services provided by Aeromed Ambulance Transport Inc., and towing services by the Automobile Association of the Philippines.
The tollway also has an ample supply of reflectorized traffic cones, road signs, plastic jersey barriers, and lane closure signs. Through these portable equipment, cat’s eyes and reflectorized road signs, motorists are able to avoid hazards, even at night, and are protected from on-going retrieval operations whenever there are incidents on the expressway. Complementing these safety features is the strict implementation of Republic Act No. 8750, the Seatbelt Use Act of 1999.
“The SCTEX is definitely one of the safest tollways in the Philippines and the BCDA is fully committed to keep it that way,” Gervacio said. “But we also urge our motorists to do their part by strictly following the speed limits within the tollway and driving defensively and safely all the time.”
For the safety and convenience of motorists, security teams are strategically deployed along the tollway to ensure that help is just 20 minutes away at any point along the SCTEX. Motorists needing roadside assistance can call the following SCTEX hotlines (0920) 96-SCTEX (72839), (045) 865-2030, (02) 362-9997 and (02) 362-2246.
