Road traffic crashes have become a norm and everyday news in Nigeria, which constitutes a menace to all road users.
The majority of these accidents is underreported and add nothing to the statistical value of our road traffic accident data. Nigeria is reported to have the second highest rate of road traffic accidents among 193 ranked countries of the world. YOU CAN ALSO READ, THE INCESSANT ROAD TRAFFIC CRASH IN NIGERIA, THE CASE OF TWO WRONGS
EIGHTY FIVE PER CENT OF ROAD ACCIDENTS ARE DUE TO DRIVER'S NEGLIGENCE
Another factor of road traffic crashes is our dilapidated road infrastructure.
As much as our government and past leaders deserve the blame for the deplorable state of our roads that clearly shows their incompetence as leaders.
We [road users], on the other hand, have taken too much excuse in their incompetency to neglect our responsibility as road users, forgetting that road usage is not only to move from one place to another but to move safely until you get to your destination.
ALL HANDS MUST BE ON DECK
While our government hasn't done enough to stem the tide of road traffic crashes in the country, drivers have contributed more to the causes of road RTC [road traffic crash] on our roads. Going by the above statistic of eighty five percent of crashes on our roads are as a result of human error.
It's high time we stop playing the blame game on what has plagued our roads over the years, and start doing the right thing on the road. While at the same time, keeping the government on its toes to achieve the desired road safety result.
The truth about road safety is that it's a shared responsibility. While government should play his part to ensure everything is in place to stem the tide of road traffic crashes, it is a responsibility of road users to do everything possible to be safe and make our roads safe.
BAD ROAD DEMANDS CAREFULNESS IN DRIVING
It is not news anymore that our roads are bad. We're all very well aware of the deplorable state our roads. This is fact, and it begs this question; Shouldn't drivers be reasonable with their driving behaviors on these roads? This is where pledging to drive safer comes in.
It is common sense to drive with care on a well constructed road, let alone on bad ones. Our roads in Nigeria require more care and caution to drive on, which is a fact we're all aware of. Why then do we drive carelessly, incautiously and recklessly on the road? All manners of road lawlessness on our roads are glaring for all to see as a day hardly goes by without a report of road traffic accident in the dailies.
It only takes common sense to do 70/80kmph on a road designed with 100kmph when the road is no more in good shape. This is not a rocket science, it is as simple as ABC to adjust to the changing circumstances of the road. This is simply a case of managing what you have until you get what you want.
I PLEDGE TO DRIVE SAFE; A CALL TO ALL NIGERIAN DRIVERS
I pledge to drive safe is a call to all Nigerian drivers and drivers all over the world. A good road is a prerequisite to road safety but safe driving is more, as usage and management of the road within its safety guidelines [Road traffic laws] ensure the safety of all road users.
Safe driving is the most important part of Road Traffic Laws as strict sanctions are placed on erring drivers who fails to act within safety guidelines of the law. Examples are speed limits on some roads, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving against traffic etc.
And there are some actions that are outside the context of road traffic laws, but a prerequisite to safe driving e.g. concentration, caution, carefulness. Failing to observe them while driving is dangerous to your safety. What this means in essence is that while the law will punish you for it violations, some safe driving actions will punish you severely for failing to observe them.
SAFE DRIVING THEREFORE ENTAILS...
* OBEYING TRAFFIC LAWS - It's for your safety and guidance.
* TOTAL CONCENTRATION BEHIND THE WHEEL - The fact is, everything that occupies your mind or vision can contribute to distraction behind the wheel. Stay focus.
* CAUTION AND CARE - These are two powerful words that make accident rear. When you're being cautious and careful while driving, your chances of self accident infliction are 20 out 100 except if it happens due to another motorist's carelessness/negligence. Thus, caution and care make accident rear.
* DON'T DRIVE WHEN YOU'RE TIRED - Plan your journey. Take a break after long hours of driving, sleep if you must, as this will give you full strength and energy to face the driving task ahead.
"The fall of heaven is not the concern of one but all". When an accident happens on the road, it often involves other innocent road users who are ordinarily minding their business. When all drivers pledge and commit themselves to safe driving, we'll have minimal accidents on our roads and they'll be safe to drive on.
FOR ME I HAVE PLEDGE TO DRIVE SAFE. WHAT ABOUT YOU?
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