Here are Tips For Driving, Riding Amid Volcanic Ashfall
VOLCANIC ASHFALL – Here’s are some tips you can follow to protect yourself and your car/motorcycle amid volcanic ashfall.
The residents living near the crater of the Taal volcano were ordered to leave due to the ash, rock and volcanic bombs. The second most active volcano in the Philippine erupted on Sunday, January 9.
The natural disaster caused some flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to be canceled. Now, almost all parts of Batangas were coated in ash. In a previous article, a building in Mandaluyong City was also covered with thick layers of ashfall.
Surely, lots of motorists are asking if its safe for them to travel while the Taal volcano continues to spew ashes on the northern island. Based on a report from the Manila Bulletin, the volcanic ash is dangerous because it can pulverize glass and rock from the volcano.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the ash from the volcano is mildly corrosive, abrasive and can conduct electricity when wet. It won’t even dissolve in water. Breathing the ash is hazardous to our health and also for our motorcycles.
Here are tips on how to drive, ride and clean vehicles in times like these.
- Avoid driving if you can
The volcanic ash could make the roads very slippery and you will be driving under low visibility. Stay below 55 km/hour if you have to drive. Do not follow other vehicles too closely and utilize your headlights to stay visible.
2. Protect Yourself
Ash will reduce your visibility and very painful if it gets into your eye. It could damage your lungs if inhaled.
For cars, never use your wipers to clean the windshield. Use your windshield washer first before you utilize the wipers.
Do not use the air conditioner when running because the ash could clog the cabin filter.
For motorcycle riders, use a full-face helmet even if you are far away from the eruption. If you don’t have that, use a facemask or N95 mask, and eye protection.
3. Don’t just wipe off ash from your vehicle
Do not wipe your vehicle with sponge, rag or cloth. Use water to wash the ash away.
For motorcycles, use compressed air or blower to clean the disk brakes, chain, radiator, and gear sprockets. Make sure your motorcycle is clean before using it.
4. Have your vehicle serviced
According to the report, have your car or motorcycle serviced when the volcanic ash subside. The engine of your vehicle will be very vulnerable to ash and the air filter is the first thing that needs cleaning or replacing.
The best thing to do during heavy ashfall is to avoid riding to protect yourself and your vehicle and never forget to cover your car or motorcycle.
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