EXPLAINER: What to do when driving in haze-affected areas

Haze has affected several areas in the country in recent weeks due to the wildfires in Indonesia.

This has affected visibility on roads, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

The DOH on Saturday thus advised motorists to be alert and take extra precautions when driving in areas affected by haze and unclean air, such as Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Cebu, Bohol, and all provinces in Mindanao.

The Health Department said motorists should be careful in using their lights and observe proper distancing between vehicles.

Below are the DOH's driving tips for motorists, drivers, and delivery riders:

1. Use low-beam or fog lights when driving.

2. Drive at a low speed.

3. Make sure there is enough space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. The said distance should be double the usual distance before stopping.

4. When using air conditioner inside the vehicle, close all windows then set the A/C to "recirculate" mode to prevent unclean air from entering the vehicle.

Motorists needing assistance may contact the National Emergency Hotline 911 or local emergency hotlines, the DOH added.

The DOH earlier issued tips for commuters to protect themselves from haze.

Haze is an atmospheric phenomenon in which fine particulate matter accumulates in the air. This includes PM2.5, or particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter—about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair.

READ: EXPLAINER: How does haze affect your health?

Last September 8, the Office of Civil Defense issued a haze alert in seven provinces, advising affected residents to take precautions amid poor air quality. These provinces are Palawan, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Negros Occidental, Cebu, and South Cotabato. —KG, GMA News