Safety on the highway
Source: Pixabay
On the 8th of May, 2017, Vanguard news stated that 7.6 million cars were putting undue pressure on Nigerian roads. Road network estimated to be 204,000Km
This day live gave an estimate of 10.6 million registered vehicles in 2016 plying the Nigerian roads
Daily trust cited from the National Bureau of Statistics that there are 11.5 million vehicles at the first quarter of 2017.
So, in 2018, there is going to be a significant increase in the number of cars (of which mine will definitely be among). You feel me?
Significant increase in the number of cars on the 204,000Km road network is not going to be easy. That's why you need to learn what safety is and drive safe.
Here are some tips on how to be safety conscious on the highway either as a motorist. That of a motorcyclist or pedestrian will be given in my next post. I will also be adding real life situations I have encountered previously. Enjoy your read.
I. Motorist
Who is a motorist?
A motorist is one who plies the road in any four wheel vehicle which could be a car, a truck or an SUV.
Safety precautions of a motorist
I. A motorist should always carry out routine checks on his vehicle to ensure it is in good working condition. Things to check out for include oil level, tyres, fuel level, power steering fluid, water in the radiator, etc. Don't embark on any journey without doing this. Oil prevents the engine from knocking, power steering fluid enables you to use your steering properly in negotiating a bend, water prevents the radiator from overheating, fuel keeps the car moving, while a flat tyre can be annoying. Get these things ready and have a quick sail.
II. A motorist should always fasten his/her seat belt before driving. This could reduce impact in the case of accidents.
III. The maximum speed limits should be between 70-120kmh. This is to prevent unforeseen contingencies like a child running across the road, or other vehicle spinning out of control.
IV. Drive at a lesser speed when it rains to prevent skidding.
V. Do not carry more than the stipulated number of passengers in your vehicle as it can have direct impact on the tyres and could result in an accident. I remember vividly when I served in North Central of Nigeria. I saw some drivers carrying two persons in the front seat, and in turn sharing his seat with a passenger making it a total of four persons seated at the front. This is not only hilarious but very dangerous because the driver does not have full control of the steering. You see him bending to control the car.
VI. Do not overload your vehicle either as taxi driver running different routes or as an individual giving an assist to a neighbour in parking their properties. It puts too much stress on the vehicle especially the tyres. When combined with too much speed, the tyres can burst and the vehicle can somersault leading to injuries or death as the worse scenario.
Source: Pixabay
VII. A taxi driver should park properly at the bus stop or designated points before allowing passengers to alight from his/her vehicle. Non-commercial road users should do same.
VIII. Motorists should slow down whenever they are approaching strategic points like the Zebra crossing, railway crossing, schools, hospitals, junctions, religious centres/places of worship e.g churches.
IX. A motorist should give regards or be considerate to other road users. Don't park at inappropriate places to prevent traffic. Before parking, ask yourself if the space you are leaving for other road users will be enough to allow free flow of traffic. The way some drivers park their vehicles can be an eyesore. You will just keep wondering if the person has any brain at all. It can be that bad. Some parking can even result in a one-way traffic.
X. In the case of a flat tyre or other occurrences, a motorist should seek assistance from other road users to move his/her vehicle out of the road to allow free flow of traffic. You see this kind of situation almost everyday and it is appalling.
XI. A motorist should horn and be given a go before overtaking especially if it is a truck in front of his vehicle. Also, ensure there is no oncoming vehicle before overtaking.
XII. A motorist should slow down while at the back of a school bus conveying little children.
Alright, I'll stop here to post tomorrow safety guidelines for pedestrains. Do have a great day.