MANILA, Philippines — The North Luzon Expressway continued to prepare for the expected crush of traffic over the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holiday although the flow of vehicles remained light a day Tuesday, October 31, the eve of the annual Catholic observance.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board also inspected bus terminals in Dapitan, Manila, checking the franchises of transport companies and the physical safety of their vehicles.
The Philippine Red Cross said it has also mobilized the staff and volunteers of is 103 chapters across the country.
At the Balintawak and Mindanao Avenue exits of NLEX, except for slight buildups at the tollgates, traffic flow was smooth.
Assistance centers, including free towing services to the nearest exists, were also on standby to assist distressed motorists.
At the terminal of Viron Transit in Dapitan, LTFRB inspectors checked everything on the buses, including tires, head- and signal lights, wipers, seatbelts, fire extinguishers, mirrors and seats reserved for persons with disabilities and the elderly.
The terminal toilets were also inspected.
The inspectors found only minor infractions, the most serious of which appeared to be charging passengers to use the restrooms when this should be a free service.
The Red Cross said more than 1,300 first aid providers, including foot patrollers, will be mobilized in some 170 cemeteries. The organization will also be setting up more than 150 first aid stations.
Welfare desks are also in place along major roads and highways, bus stations, major seaports, airports and gasoline stations.
The Red Cross Hotline 143 and Operations Center (790-23-00 loc. 199-204 or 0917-806-8513) can also be called for emergencies.
Philippine Red Cross Hotline: 143, or.
Meanwhile, the PRC gave the following road safety tips:
- Be licensed and trained for the vehicle you drive.
- Use a seatbelt.
- Wear a helmet on a motorcycle.
- Drive at a safe speed and distance suitable for the conditions.
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Do not use a mobile phone while driving.
- Know and respect the highway code.
- Maintain vehicle in good condition.
- Be visible as a pedestrian or a cyclist.
- Know how to react in case of a crash.
- Remember BLOW BAGETS (Breaks Lights Oil Water Batteries Air Gas Engine Tires Self)
Updates will be made available on the PRC website, www.redcross.org.ph, and its social media accounts: @philredcross for Twitter and Facebook.
For more safety tips, the PRC First Aid App can be downloaded through Google Playstore and Apple IOS.
