NISSAN SAFE TRIPS

Safe Tips for Safe Trips 1: Prepare your car before traveling

• Have your vehicles serviced and sanitized.

Since some cars are used less often nowadays, this may cause some minor complications on the engine. That’s why it’s important to have your vehicles serviced for preventive maintenance and to have it cleaned and sanitized before going on for a drive.

• Check your battery, lights, oil, water, air and gas.

According to LTFRB, the acronym BLOW-BAGETS simplifies the 10 simple things that you must check before travelling:

o Brakes

o Lights

o Oil

o Water

o Batteries

o Air

o Gas

o Engine

o Tires

o Self

The last of the acronyms highlights the importance of being prepared before hitting the road. This includes preparing necessary requirements to abide by the different safety protocols laid down by the respective LGUs.

• Make sure your brakes are in good working condition.

Your brakes are one of the most vital parts of your drive, before heading to your destination make sure they are functioning well. Always be cautious of following:

o   The grip of your brake should not feel loose or too stiff.

o   Your brake should not make strange noises like high-pitch squeals or shrieks.

o   The feel of your brake should not have unusual vibrations.

If your vehicle has any of these symptoms, better to have it checked at the nearest service station.

Safe Tips for Safe Trips 2: During the drive

• Bring your own mask, face shield and disinfectant.

Aside from these must-haves, the following are also required:

o   sanitizer or alcohol

o   paper towel or tissue

o   gloves

o   disposable cloths or any other cleaning agents

• Follow the allowed seating capacity of your vehicle.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have set Social Distancing and Passenger Limit Guidelines. All vehicles must strictly comply with these guidelines. which are different per vehicle category.

o   For Cars or Sedans:

●       A total of three (3) passengers, including the driver, are allowed.

●       A maximum of two (2) passengers are permitted at the back row with one seat apart.

●       No one is allowed to be seated in the passenger seat. 

o   For Vans:

●       Only two (2) passengers are allowed per row.

●       Only one (1) passenger is permitted in the driver’s row.

●       A waterproof transparent barrier is required to be installed between the driver and the passengers. 

o   For Buses or Coasters:

●       Only 50% of the total capacity of the vehicle is allowed.

●       Passengers should be one (1) seat apart.

●      It’s not permitted to have standing passengers.

●       A waterproof transparent barrier is required to be installed between the driver and the passengers.

• Dine outside during a stopover.

To ensure everyone’s safety, here are standard guest protocols for DOT-accredited restaurants:

o   Everyone is required to fill out a health declaration form upon entry. Expect to be refused entry when you’re exhibiting fever or flu-like symptoms.

o   You will also be asked to provide your name and contact details in the contract-tracing log sheet.o   Upon entry, you must sanitize your footwear on the sanitizing mats provided and have your body temperature checked.

o   Once inside, the 1-meter physical distancing in communal areas must still be observed.

o   Everyone is still required to wear a face mask and face shield at all times except when already eating or drinking.

o   Proper handwashing for a minimum of 20 seconds must be done before eating.

Safe Tips for Safe Trips 1: How to plan your trip 

Read up on your destination’s safety protocols and requirements

As some tourist sites are only open to local residents for now, it’s important to check the local government guidelines, safety protocols and requirements before driving up to your destination. To make it easier for travelers, the DOT provided a list of tourist attractions that are open, per region, and their corresponding standard requirements. 

Book online DOT-accredited hotels and resorts that are issued with a Certificate of Authority to Operate

The Department of Tourism has issued a Certificate of Authority to Operate to specific hotels and resorts. These certified establishments have successfully complied with the minimum standards for business operations during the community quarantine. This measure of certification is to ensure the comfort, convenience and safety of tourists while travelling. 

Prepare all your documents and ID     

Some destination’s protocols vary from one another, that’s why it’s important to always have your valid documents with you:

●      a government-issued ID

●      identification of your place of residence

●      certificate of employment

●      other necessary documents depending on the nature of your trip.

Instead of printing out these documents, your smartphone can provide a digital copy of these requirements for easier access and more convenient verification. 

Safe Tips for Safe Trips 2: Check your destination 

Do a contactless check-in at your DOT-accredited hotel.

DOT-accredited hotels are implementing contactless check-in to reduce physical contact. Through this, it would be easier to conduct the mandatory screening to identify guest’s travel history from two weeks prior to their arrival. The contactless check-in aims to limit interaction in filling out health declaration forms, guest sheets and payment transactions. 

Dine and shop at places that strictly follow safety protocols.

The standard safety protocol in all establishments are:

●      completion of a health declaration form

●      checking of body temperature

●      observance of physical distancing

●      wearing of face masks and face shields

●      practice of proper handwashing and hand sanitizing

●      provision of safety protocols guides to guarantee compliance 

Always opt for contactless payments for transactions.

Establishments are required to provide cashless payment options to limit physical contact and interaction. This can be done through third-party online payment applications available in smartphones, tablets and other devices.