We have more cars in Nigeria than roads; and Road Traffic
Accidents (RTA) have grown exponentially. Statistics show that more lives have
been claimed in road related accidents than AIDS (hmm). This is a quick guide
to some tips about driving safely. I’ve a number of years under my belt and am
pretty certain that I could be of help to some of the people out there.
Note; knowing how
to drive got nothing to do with speeding as widely peddled by some people. By
the time you are through reading this, you would know if you can be conferred
with the status of ‘PILOT’. Here are the tips:
PUT ON YOUR SEAT BELT: most drivers especially in this
part of the world neglect this very important routine. I rank this as the
basics for driving safely. Often times, drivers think that this practice should
only be adopted by the guys with the ‘L’ but that’s not true. It takes nothing
to do that and after all, it’s for your own safety. No one is going to fine you
for putting on belts.
READ ROAD SIGNS: majority of drivers out there are
illiterates. The Road Safety Commission however have made it a lot more easier
to understand these signs by the road side even while on high speed. They are
quick signs that tell you what’s ahead and what turn you should take. Do not
neglect simply because you ply the road over and over. No exams will be
conducted.
TRAFFICATE BEFORE
ENTERING A JUNCTION:
seriously, no matter how long you have been driving, your license should be
seized if you don’t practice this. The trafficator tells the driver on your
tail the direction you are taking. This prevents him from running into you. Avoid
using your hands; you might lose them.
ALWAYS USE YOUR SIDE
MIRROR: trust me,
most drivers don’t do this. But if you want to be a good driver, glance
intermittently at your side mirror. You can measure the distance of a car to
ascertain how you apply your brakes and also before you take a turn. The side
mirror also helps when you want to enter into the road from the pedestrian
lane.
ALWAYS OBEY THE TRAFFIC
LIGHTS: sadly, even
law enforcement agents flout this rule. How most accidents will be averted if
we would be a little more patient. Of all the places where accidents should
never occur is at those traffic stops. People always seem to be in a hurry and
will not wait for a few seconds. Wait! That’s safety.
NEVER OVERTAKE AT A
BEND: it doesn’t matter
whether you are driving a Bugatti Veyron. Before you overtake, you MUST see
ahead. Do not take the chance before realizing that there is no going back. Most
drivers around here are notorious for doing that. One can also add; do not
overtake at a hill. First rule of overtaking, YOU MUST SEE AHEAD before you
take the leap. No tests the depth of a river with both feet.
If you keep this commandments, you are well on your way to
becoming a PILOT and will save yourself and the life of those you love.
OTHMAN
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