Buying a car nowadays is much easier, as many dealerships offer very friendly financing terms. You can even drive away in a new car without need to make a down payment.
With this conducive climate for car buyers, even college students can now afford to acquire a car (with a little help from their parents). But beyond knowing how to make a car go forward and back, turn left and right, are these young motorists equipped with the necessary know-how to safely drive a car?
To bridge the knowledge gap, Carmudi.com.ph, the Philippines’ leading car selling and buying platform, in partnership with GMA News TV motoring show Turbo Zone, recently staged its “Road Safety Caravan” at STI College-Bonifacio Global City.
Serving as resources speakers for the various topics on road safety were award-winning broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad for basic defensive driving, road courtesy, pedestrian and commuter safety and road rage; and News Reporter Oscar Oida for practical tips on road safety, right of way, safe bike riding and traffic signs and road markings.
As today’s severe road congestion becomes an ever-increasing concern for the public as can be gleaned from incidents on the road quickly becoming viral through social media, the STI-BGC auditorium was quickly filled with over 600 student attendees eager to learn. The lively and lengthy discussion that followed the talks also proved that the issue is a big blip on our radar of concern.
Beyond the forum and discussions on stage, the “Road Safety Caravan” also allowed the students to get a feel of driving by putting them behind the steering wheel of a realistic driving simulator.
“Carmudi is more than just a marketplace for selling and buying cars,“ said Carmudi Philippines PR and Marketing Head Kris Lim. “Since we’re in the business of helping people purchase cars, we’ve made road safety our advocacy. It’s not enough that you know how to drive a car; you should also know how to drive it safely and responsibly.”
“It’s so alarming to see the number of accidents on the road today. This is our way to help educate students on driving safely and to promote responsible and road use,” added Lim.