
We tried sarcasm in encouraging motorists to abide by the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP). We really thought the subtle mockery would work. But whom are we kidding? We forgot that Filipinos hate reading. Either that or they can’t pay for Wi-Fi services to read our free articles.
So…let’s try the straightforward approach. Below are six uncomplicated tips for ensuring that you will never violate the NCAP.

1. Do not beat the red light. Do we really need to expound on this? When you see the traffic light turn yellow, do not even attempt to outrun it. A screenshot of your car against a backdrop of a red stoplight is pretty hard to argue against. It remains undefeated—just like an incriminating screen grab when a basketball team insists its player was able to beat the shot clock.

2. Do not disregard traffic signs. Especially if said signs are very visible from a block away. “No parking” and “no loading/unloading” are basic rules that you should never even flirt with. A photo of your vehicle with a large traffic sign that proves you’re an idiot, is a receipt that will always indict you in any court—a real court or a viral one.

3. Do not block a pedestrian crosswalk. Traffic authorities particularly frown upon insensitivity toward human road users. Just touch a pedestrian lane with even half of an inch of your car’s wheel and you’re damned. You see a crosswalk ahead? Slow down. You will never win even a petty case against someone on foot.

4. Do not get caught inside the yellow box. We know that it’s often challenging to clear that square-shaped intersection especially when traffic is really bad. But paying attention to your surroundings and the traffic light will usually do the trick. If it looks like the street ahead doesn’t have enough space to accommodate your car, be patient and just wait for the next round of green light. Your world will not crumble if you’re not able to cross the intersection as fast as your Max Verstappen alter ego will allow.

5. Do not ignore road marks. Motorists who like going against the flow of traffic refuse to acknowledge the presence of lines on the asphalt. These lines are not there for cosmetic purposes—they’re there to help traffic enforcers to manage the movement of vehicles. NCAP camera operators will have a field day collecting screen grabs of kamote drivers who make light of double yellow lines, for instance.

6. Do not use your phone while driving. Ah, here is our favorite multiple-tasking activity behind the wheel. All of us are confident that we can operate a moving vehicle with just one hand and with half our concentration. Believe us: You’re courting danger every time you drive distracted. You see those crash videos on social media? Many of them are caused by distracted drivers. Texting a message. Watching a TikTok clip. Even gambling using an app. Here’s what you need to know: A preoccupied driver looks funny from the outside. He (or she) isn’t aware that he/she is inadvertently swerving. Not a good scene to those who monitor the NCAP cameras.
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