Philippines Warnings Or Dangers Tips by birgitte

often, no warning signs on road obstructions.

One thing about driving around in the Philippines, foreigners must learn that warning signs on the roads are either nonexistent or are placed too near where the trouble is that you wont have time to react to the danger. Filipinos already are very familiar with this and have somehow adapted very well to this peculiar habit of warning you too late. They make good drivers too abroad. I guess being faced with these obstacles at home, they can tackle almost any road conditions anywhere else.

In the countryside, as in the picture, you might suddenly find the road only functioning with only one lane. Although it is considered illegal to dry the palays (rice) on the roads, many still do it because they don’t have enough places to dry the rice in. Farmers put these small obstacles like branches or pieces of wood to prevent vehicles from riding over and crushing the rice. Sometimes, they put nails on these obstacles so you wont stubbornly ride over the drying rice when faced with several minute long traffic. If you are driving very fast, you might (if the rice were water) hydroplane or skid uncontrollably on the grains. So always be on the lookout.

Be reminded that the...

Be reminded that the Philippines experience typhoons and heavy rainfall during the wet season. So if you are planning to do some travelling here, it might be better if you postpone trips during the dry months.

Believe it or not, this is actually a highway. After several days of constant rain, the water filled up the rice fields flanking the road and submerged the road itself. For those of you travelling with a 4x4 vehicle... dont have too much confidence. We got the surprise of our life when we noticed the water was actually waist deep and we were right in the middle of it. Hehe.. we were crazy enough to think that it wouldnt be that deep. We got through but water seeped into the headlights of our 4x4. Just glad that the door seals were still good or else, we'd be drying the carpets.
Also for those not used to driving in flooded highways... be aware that brakes dont work for a few minutes after you slosh around in high water. So go slow at first and pump your brakes a bit.. just in small increments to test if its working. Dont push the brake pedal through the floor or it could get stuck. Also, after going out of the rain, and parking your car. It might be better if you do not use the handbrake but put it on first gear instead. Putting it in first gear acts the same way as a brake. This prevents your brakes from sticking into your tires or else the next time you use your car, it would refuse to move until you hear this great popping (sounds as if your wheels are going to fall off). Just remember to take it off from first gear when next you start it (so dont blame me if it suddenly lurches and hits a wall).

Driving during heavy rains is...

Driving during heavy rains is a bit dangerous. For one thing, everything seems to be the same grey color. The roads are slippery and heavy rains can create pits on the road.