Road Rage: 7 ways to prevent tragic loss of lives on Nigerian roads
Apart from having to survive through the hardship that has been created by ineffective governments in the country, Nigerians also have to ensure, daily, that their lives are not at risk due to bad roads, recklessness of motorists, nonchalance, and other vices.
Just on Monday morning (today), a pupil of Cerubim & Seraphim primary school, Ogolonto, was said to have run unto a BRT lane at Idi-Iroko bus stop unexpectedly, getting himself killed by the fast-moving bus instantly.
Eyewitnesses say there is a pedestrian bridge very close to the scene of the accident.
While the death of the student is heartbreaking, there is no gainsaying that the incident could have been avoided if the student had opted to use the bridge.
This incident brings to mind the many ways Nigerians risk their lives and those of others on the roads daily.
Here are some ways Nigerians could, to a great extent, lessen the rate at which incidents such as this occur:
Adopt Judicious Use of Pedestrian Bridges
These bridges are constructed for a reason. They are to be used. Sadly, too many people are too lazy to use these bridges, as they constantly see it as a time-waster.
Stop Over-speeding
It is quite disturbing that with the terrible state of many Nigerian roads, some overzealous drivers prefer to put to test their Formula 1 skills on these roads, thereby endangering their lives and those of others.
All drivers need to be conscious enough about the many dangers of over-speeding.
Respect Zebra Crossings
Ever tried to walk pass a Zebra Crossing in Nigeria hoping an oncoming car would get the memo and stop?
Safe to say the Zebra Crossings on Nigerian roads are seen as just beautiful pieces of road-art by motorists.
A strict law that ensures punishment for any motorist who run a Zebra Crossing, just as it is with Red Lights, would do just fine.
Don’t drink and drive
This can’t be overstated. Many drivers are guilty of this. In fact, taking gin and whatnot has become early morning tonics for many motorists – particularly the commercial drivers.
You only need to sit close to a driver of a public vehicle to get hit with the pungent smell of alcohol.
Some youths also find this act very fashionable; They are fond of leaving parties in very intoxicated state.
Don’t sleep behind the wheels
The survival of many Nigerians is dependent on how early they get on the roads and, by default, how late they get home.
A situation that leaves many people tired and exhausted everyday. That tiredness prompts many motorists to doze off behind the wheels, thereby leading to avoidable loss of lives.
Drivers should always park their vehicles and catch valuable nap before proceeding with their journeys to prevent such incidents.
Be conscious while on the roads
Many Nigerians, for varying reasons, walk on the roads while being highly unconscious of their surroundings.
Walking around in such state of mind is not only dangerous to the lives of such persons, but to the lives of other road users as well.
Proper check of vehicle components
How many lives have been lost because of brake failures? How many more have been lost because of expired tyres?
Drivers need to make it a sense of duty to ensure their vehicles are in very good shapes before putting them on the roads.
While all these precautions are no guarantee for an accident-free roads, they sure would go a long way in reducing the rate of bad accidents in the country.
