TessDrive outlines holiday journey protocols—from SMC Infrastructure bracing for a 10% traffic surge across Luzon expressways and Kia’s electrified “Blowbagets” routine, to XPeng X9 capturing Euro NCAP’s top 5-star safety rating.
SMC Infrastructure braces for 10% traffic surge
SMC Infrastructure has placed its entire tollway network under full deployment to manage an anticipated 10% surge in vehicle traffic across Luzon expressways throughout the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day long weekend.
Operating in alignment with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Oplan Biyaheng Ayos, full operational staffing commenced at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 29. Strategic quick-response stations—equipped with heavy-duty tow trucks, mobile fire engines, and medical ambulances—are active along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway System, STAR Tollway, NAIA Expressway (NaiaX), and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLex).
Key traffic countermeasures
Roadwork moratorium: All non-critical construction and highway maintenance works remain suspended from noon of October 29 until 10 p.m. on Nov. 3 to keep all carriageways open.
24/7 operations and roadside assistance: Traffic monitoring centers and round-the-clock emergency medical assistance desks are active across Petron service stations along the toll corridors.
Inter-agency coordination: Dispatchers are working alongside the MMDA, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and local governments to mitigate bottleneck spillover at expressway entry and exit arterials.
Tollway RFID protocols: Motorists are advised to verify that their Autosweep RFID balances are sufficiently loaded to prevent barrier delays, or enroll in the interoperable One RFID program.
Emergency tollway hotlines: SLEX—0917-687-7539; STAR Tollway—0917-511-7827 / (043) 756-7870; TPLEX—0917-888-0715; Skyway System—(02) 5318-8655
Kia PH and the modern ‘Blowbagets’ routine
With thousands of families heading out on long provincial journeys, Kia Philippines has released an updated, dual-platform holiday driving guide. Designed to prevent highway breakdowns, the protocol adapts the traditional B-L-O-W-B-A-G-E-T-S inspection to cover internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) alike.
Kia Philippines managing director Jay Lopez noted: “Whether you are driving a conventional vehicle or an EV, taking the time to inspect your car, plan your route, and practice safe driving makes all the difference when facing heavy highway traffic and long hours behind the wheel.”
In-transit discipline, post-trip care
o 3-to-4 second gap: A heavily laden vehicle requires greater braking distance; maintain a minimum 3-to-4 second following interval behind traffic.
o 15-minute rest stops every 2 hours: Pause driving every 120 minutes to counter driver fatigue, highway hypnosis, and allow quick EV top-up charges.
o Underbody post-trip inspection: Following rough provincial detours, EV owners are advised to schedule a quick dealer lift inspection to check the protective underbody battery skid-plates for stone impacts or curb scrapes.
o Kia 24/7 roadside assistance hotline: Owners requiring flatbed towing, lockout services, fuel delivery, or emergency mechanical assistance can contact (02) 8459-4795 or 0917-1787496.
To learn more about Kia Philippines’ full vehicle lineup, visit www.kiaphilippines.com or follow Kia Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
XPeng X9 MPV earns 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating
The X9, XPeng’s flagship 7-seat electric MPV, has achieved the maximum 5-star safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). The official report awarded the luxury MPV 91% in crash protection and 91% in post-crash safety.
Comprehensive crash protection breakdown
The X9 returned strong occupant protection marks across dynamic barrier tests:
- Frontal impact: 95%
- Side impact: 99%
- Rear impact: 98%
- Inter-occupant protection: A dedicated front center airbag prevents head-to-head collisions between the driver and front passenger during severe side collisions.
Heavy-duty structural architecture
The X9 is built on an ultra-stiff unibody chassis boasting 46,000 Nm/degree of torsional rigidity. The structure integrates 83% high-strength steel and high-tensile aluminum, reinforced by 2,000 MPa hot-stamped steel along the pillars and door sills to resist passenger cell intrusion.
Crash dissipation is handled by 19 closed circular ring structures that channel lateral and longitudinal impact energies around the passenger safety cage.
ADAS, post-crash extraction protocols
Active safety scored high marks, including 94% in car-to-car adaptive cruise control (ACC) scenarios and 87% for autonomous emergency braking (AEB). An internal radar-based child presence detection system alerts parents if a minor remains inside the cabin.
During post-collision events, the X9 automatically severs high-voltage electrical contacts, unlocks doors, and activates hazard flashers to facilitate rapid extrication, paired with automated eCall transmission of location and passenger telemetry to emergency responders.
The XPENG X9 is offered locally in two configurations—the X9 Long Range (P3,858,000) and the X9 with 2nd row premium seat package (P4,058,000). Both include a 5-year vehicle warranty, 8-year battery/motor coverage, 5-year free PMS, 5-year free roadside assistance, and a 7-kW wallbox charger. Public test displays are on view at the TriNoma Mall Hub in Quezon City through Dec. 31, 2026.
Banner photo shows the XPeng X9 undergoing a frontal crash test as part of the rigorous Euro NCAP safety assessment