CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Before embarking on a trip, motorists are urged to ensure safety on the road.
The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation has reiterated its call for motorists to strictly check their vehicles, following the recent incident at the Candaba Viaduct in Apalit, Pampanga where a blown tire caused a driver to lose control of his vehicle resulting in a road crash.
NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Luigi Bautista noted that while the company firmly enforces traffic laws and has measures to maintain the road’s safe condition, it is equally important that vehicles and drivers traversing the roads, especially high-speed highways such as NLEX-SCTEX, are in tiptop shape.
“We are again appealing to our motorists to practice road safety by making sure that their vehicles are in good condition before traveling, as well as by checking themselves if they are physically or emotionally fit to drive,” Bautista said, adding that “prevention is still the best solution in avoiding untoward incidents.”
The NLEX Corporation’s road safety advocacy also includes ensuring that quick response times are being observed to assure safety on all fronts.
“Quick response time is also imperative for the company whenever incidents happen in our expressways. In the recent mishap, NLEX patrol and emergency medical teams rushed to the scene within minutes to help those involved in the accident and ensure the safety of motorists passing the area,” Bautista explained.
“Upon assessing the situation, our traffic teams set up the counterflow lane to ease the traffic congestion caused by the accident,” he mentioned.
Striving to provide a safe and secure road for all, the tollway company has road safety campaigns which include the “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” motorist assistance program which is conducted during peak travel seasons such as Holy Week, All Souls Day, Christmas, and long weekends to manage the surge in holiday traffic between Metro Manila and the provinces.NLEX-SCTEX operations are enhanced at these times by deploying additional patrols and tellers and providing first aid and medical services at strategic points of the expressways.
The NLEX Corporation also conducts road safety programs intended for various stakeholders such as Usapang Driver (a forum aimed at orienting drivers from bus and trucking companies on safe expressway driving) and Kaligtasan sa Daan or KalSaDa (a road safety education program for host communities to develop a habit of practicing road safety).
It also uses communication channels like NLEXPRESS, a monthly publication which features road safety tips and company projects, and social media to educate and strengthen the public’s road safety awareness.