Safety tips for long-distance driving home for Chinese New Year, given by Debbie Ding, defensive driving instructor

“How about some tips for safe driving back for CNY reunion dinner?" I ask Debbie Ding, owner of Debbie School of Defensive School in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Our gazes meet and a smile lights up in Debbie’s eyes.

Slouched in my chair across her, I try not to stare at her face, but my gaze has a mind of its own, travelling from her shiny curls dancing on her bare shoulders, down a butter-coloured top and to beige jorts that mould every curve.

Debbie rests an elbow on the arm of her chair. "Start the journey early, which means getting enough sleep the night before." She rests her delicate fingers of a folded hand on her chin. "Before the journey, send your car to a workshop for an inspection. Ask the mechanic to check for frayed belts, worn brake pads, loose wires, level of water in radiator, engine oil and suchlike. If your tyres resemble a worn-out rubber mat, change them immediately.” A scowl flits across Debbie’s face. “Prefer the highways to trunk roads. Trunk roads are notorious for accidents during festive seasons.” The tone of her voice matches the scowl on her face. “If travelling with children, bring some toys, finger snacks and games to keep them occupied. Have a potty, baby wipes and a few plastic bags ready."

Debbie rises from her chair, goes to the coffee maker, pulls out a paper cup and makes coffee from the machine.  The aroma of cappuccino swirls in the air. "The night before, put a few damp face towels in a plastic bag and leave them in the fridge,” she says, tossing a sunny smile over her shoulder. “Take them with you for the journey." My eyes follow the jaunty sway of her hips as she walks back to her desk and places the paper cup in front of me. Steam billows up, misting my spectacles. "Use the towels to wipe your face once in a while to stay fresh and alert. Don’t drink too much water unless you don’t mind taking a leak behind a bush as rest stops beside highways will be packed with travellers. Never, never multi-task while driving such as eat, kiss, apply lipstick or use the cellular phone."

She plops back on her chair which whooshes like air from a punctured balloon, leans back and crosses her legs at the knees. "When driving, observe speed limits and avoid road hypnotism on straight roads by occasionally glancing to the sides. Play some sentimental music to calm frazzled nerves. Women who love to wear heels should kick them off after getting into the car and change to flats to drive." 

Her red lips curl up in a grin. "Last but not least, have a strong rope ready so that you can tow your car to the nearest workshop if it breaks down."

 A chuckle escaping from my throat, I lift up the paper cup to take a sip of the acidic-smelling coffee.

Debbie sticks both fists together. "Gong Xi Fa Cai to your readers and have a safe journey home. Happy driving.” Her smile is as bright as the afternoon sun outside.

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