Designated Trailer Routes: Major tips for driving fuel tankers in the rain
The Lagos State government has announced in a statement on Sunday that tankers have now been restricted to designated trailer route, and also gave 30-day ultimatum for articulated vehicles to obtain road worthiness certificate.
Mr. Ladi Lawanson, the Commissioner for Transportation, said the decision became necessary following preliminary investigations into Thursday’s incident which revealed a combination of vehicular defect and human errors.
“As an immediate response to the latest incident, the Lagos State Government hereby announces the following measures: Fuel tankers are hereby directed to ply the designated trailer route, that is, Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway via Ogudu to Lagos-Ibadan Expressway,” Lawanson said.
Here are driving safety tips during the rainy season to avert tragedies:
Speedy trucks:
It is advisable for truck drivers to reduce speed when driving in the rain, if possible trucks should stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms.
Brakes:
Truck drivers are advised that brakes can be affected by water in the rain, they should watch out for brake lights in front of them.
Stay in the middle of the road:
Truck drivers are advised to stay towards the middle lanes when driving in the rain, water tends to pool in the outer lanes.
Truck drivers should not drive through moving water if they can’t see the ground through; the truck could be swept off the road.
Trucks or buses should not drive too closely:
Trucks and buses should not follow large trucks or buses too closely. Their tyres splash water that ultimately obstructs vision.
Brake lights:
Trucks are advised to turn on their headlights to give visibility in the rain, watch out for brake lights in front of them.
