Alexandra Asmasoebrata Shares Safety Driving Tips during Ramadan
Jakarta. Women can't drive. Even though it's 2016, many still stick to this outdated gender stereotype and believe that women-drivers tend to be clumsy, easily panicked and know nothing about the engines.
But Alexandra Asmasoebrata (Andra) proves that the theory is totally wrong. The 28-year-old is not only a skilful driver, but also a professional racer that has won a number of prestigious formula races in Asia.
Indonesia Museum of Records (MURI) named her as Indonesia's pioneering female racer in 2007.
"I've been racing since I was 11 years old, long before I could actually drive a car [on the street]," said Andra, when interviewed after the launch of 'Mobil 1 Vaganza' at Le Meridien, Jakarta, on Wed (08/06).
The daughter of Indonesian veteran racer Alex Asmasoebrata said that she owed much of her victories to her in-depth knowledge of cars.
"Winning a race is not all about engine performance," she said. "There are so many factors. You have to really understand about the (car's) body, fuel, tires and condition of the circuit."
"I think that's also a pre-requisite of a skillful driver," Andra added.
The racer spends a lot of time at repair stations in her spare time.
"I love dismantling cars and learning each part," she said. "I also love talking to mechanics and gleaning new pieces of information from them."
In spite of being an award-winning racer, Andra never speeds when she is driving on the street.
"I realize that streets are not circuits," she said. "Streets belong to everyone, pedestrians, motorists and other drivers. Therefore, it's very important to drive carefully in regard to everyone involved."
During the interview, Andra also shared a few safety driving tips during the holy month of Ramadan.
"The streets are awfully chaotic these days, especially in the afternoon, near the fast-breaking period," she said. "So, my advice is, if you feel tired, don't push it. Don't try to rush home in order to break the fast with your family. It's dangerous and you may not make it."
Safety should always be the top of our priorities at all times.
"Don't underestimate the use of safety gears, like seatbelts for drivers and helmets for [motorbike] riders," she said. "No one is invincible on the streets."
And for those of you, who are planning to drive your own car for mudik (home-coming for Lebaran), Andra has invaluable tips that would help you a lot during the long journey.
"Do your homework and learn all the possible routes to your destination, so that you'll know exactly where to go when one road is blocked," she said. "It may sound simple, but just imagine the time and energy consumed if the road is blocked and you have to go round and round seeking for an alternative route during the massive traffic jam on Lebaran."
And don't drive long hours without taking a break, even if you are feeling fit and healthy.
"I'd suggest that you take a rest every couple of hours," she said. "It'll greatly improve your focus and concentration when driving."
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