The Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) has installed additional safety features to the Balem-Sta. Ines portion of the tollway in Pampanga in keeping with its continuing program to further enhance the safety and comfort of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) users.

Officials of the MNTC, builder-concessionaire of the 84-kilometer NLEX, said "we cannot leave anything to chance for the security and safety of our clients".

Apart from rumble strips were installed on both mainline and centerline along the 3.1-kilometer Balem-Sta. Ines stretch, 12 sets of directional arrow pavement markings made of reflective thermoplastic paint have been set up in the area.

A total of 130 pieces of raised pavement markers or cat’s eyes were installed in the vicinity to enhance visibility of the double yellow lane markings designed to guide motorists at night time or during a heavy downpour.

To ensure that motorists do not violate the "no overtaking" rule, the MNTC also put up 11 oversize traffic signs there.

"Our commitment to provide our motorists safe, convenient travel remains to be our paramount concern," MNTC president Rodrigo E. Franco stressed.

Franco pointed out that the rumble strips were thermoplastic paint laid out on strategic spots of the road such as approaches to interchanges and toll plazas.

A vehicle passing over the rumble strips are bound to experience a noisy vibration, enough to prompt alertness into the sleepy drivers who were generally described by experts as "an accident waiting to happen."

It is virtually impossible to detect drowsy drivers before they run into trouble, the authorities said. The rumble strips were designed to effectively address this concern.

MNTC also has other safety programs like the 24-hour road assistance along the entire NLEX, ready to deal with emergencies.

Also, traffic situations are monitored on a 24-hour basis from a well-equipped control room assisted by cameras strategically located over the entire NLEX stretch. The same control center can dispatch NLEX patrol crews to manage traffic and to implement road safety rules and regulations.

MNTC also has a very innovative safety training program for drivers of all kinds of vehicles called "Drivers Forum on Safety." The one-day course is a mix of games, contests and lectures hosted by a celebrity making the learning experience exciting and effective. Todate, truck and bus owners have lined-up to be included in the popular training program.