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In the NewsHe also pointed out that the motorists themselveshave been very cooperative in preventing long queuesby preparing the exact amounts for the toll tellers.Gervacio noted that traffi c volume at the SCTEX duringthe “Undas” period had been remarkably increasing aspublic awareness on the modern tollway continued togrow.“More than ever, I believe we are in a better positionnow to handle the situation as expected arising from thesurge of motorists on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day(Nov. 1-2),” TMC offi cial Charlie Espanola said.“As in the past, we are taking a pro-active stanceinvolving the deployment of additional fi eld personnelto handle traffi c management, response to emergencysituations, public assistance in case of accidents andother exigencies, and increased pressure on the tollplazas,” Espanola added.Motorists who may need assistance can call thefollowing SCTEX hotlines 0920-9672-859, (045) 865-2030,(02) 362-9997 and (02) 362-2246.The TMC has also drawn up contingency plans forthe usual choke points including the fi elding of mobile tolltellers, deployment of more mobile vehicles and crews,and use of temporary lanes to ease traffi c at the tollplazas.More entry lanes will be opened at the Mabalacattoll plaza, while additional exit lanes will be set up in Tarlacand Tipo in Subic as early as October 29 to avoid traffi cbuildup in these areas.Improvised toll booths would be installed inMabalacat to hasten the passage of South-boundvehicles who are expected to come in droves startingNov. 1 after spending the holiday in the provinces.The SCTEX and TMC offi cials advised the travelers toavoid hitting the road during rush hours, particularly 6a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. when the queues atthe toll plazas get abnormally longer.But more important, SCTEX and TMC offi cials said, is forthe motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthybefore embarking on their trip. “It would be best for thetravelers to prepare a checklist to include tire condition,water, brake and transmission fl uids, windshield wipers,signal lamps and headlights,” they pointed out, addingthat most vehicular accidents were caused by failure tocheck fi rst on these things.Next to the checklist is to observe safe drivingpractices and obeying traffi c rules notably the speedlimits to keep out of harm’s way.Gervacio reiterated that the minimum allowablespeed at the SCTEX is 60 kilometers per hour, while themaximum is 100 kph.Espanola added that a roadmap would come in handy for thetravelers negotiating unfamiliarroutes. “Getting lost along the waymight take the fun out ofyour journey,” he said.