10 Nigeria Traffic Rules You Should Never Ignore for Your Safety on the Roads

Nigeria is a country with a population of over 200 million people, and one of the biggest challenges faced by the country is traffic congestion. As a result of this, the government has put in place several traffic rules to ensure safety on the roads. Unfortunately, many Nigerians tend to ignore these rules, which often leads to road accidents, injuries, and loss of life. In this post, we will discuss ten Nigeria traffic rules that should not be taken for granted.

1. Obey traffic signals: Traffic signals are put in place to ensure that traffic flows smoothly, and drivers and pedestrians are safe. It is essential to obey traffic signals, including traffic lights, road signs, and pavement markings, as ignoring them can lead to accidents.
2. Use of seatbelts: Wearing a seatbelt is not only mandatory by law but also essential for your safety. In the event of an accident, seatbelts can prevent severe injuries or fatalities. Ensure that all passengers in the vehicle are wearing their seatbelts before driving.
3. Speed limits: Speed limits are in place to ensure that drivers maintain a safe speed on the roads. Exceeding the speed limit can lead to loss of control of the vehicle, which can result in accidents.
4. Avoid overloading: Overloading your vehicle can lead to a loss of control and an accident. Always ensure that your vehicle’s weight is within the recommended limit, and passengers are not overcrowded.
5. Avoid drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also dangerous. It can impair your judgement and reflexes, leading to accidents.
6. Use of mobile phones: The use of mobile phones while driving is illegal in Nigeria. It can lead to a loss of concentration and accidents. Always pull over to a safe location before making or receiving calls or text messages.
7. Use of horn: The use of the horn should be restricted to alerting other drivers of your presence or an emergency situation. It should not be used to intimidate or harass other road users.
8. Pedestrian safety: Pedestrians should use designated crossings when crossing the road. Drivers should always give way to pedestrians at designated crossing points and avoid driving on pedestrian walkways.
9. Maintenance of vehicles: Vehicles should be well-maintained and roadworthy to avoid breakdowns and accidents. Regular checks should be carried out on brakes, tires, and lights.
10. Avoid aggressive driving: Aggressive driving, including tailgating, cutting off other drivers, and aggressive lane changing, is dangerous and can lead to accidents. Drivers should remain calm and patient while driving, always giving way to other drivers where necessary.

In conclusion, it is crucial to observe all traffic rules and regulations to ensure safety on the roads. As road users, we have a responsibility to protect ourselves and other road users. By adhering to traffic rules and regulations, we can reduce road accidents and fatalities in Nigeria.