BASIC WAYS TO AVOID ROAD ACCIDENTS
Temisan was uncomfortable right from the beginning. First, she had caught the driver gulping down a sachet of dry gin as he emerged from one the kiosks that stood illegally on the side of the road. When he finally started the danfo, the engine grunt hesitantly and struggled to come to life. They finally moved and the bus staggered while releasing thick black fumes that seeped into where she and the other passengers sat, packed like sardines. She could only silently mutter prayers for protection and hoped she would get to her destination safely.
Joy chose a cab instead. She could not deal with the struggle of the public transport system in Lagos. She thought the driver was rude, but she brushed it off and chose not to be offended. She had other important matters to worry about. Ten minutes into the ride and she observed the car was swaying weirdly; the driver was dosing on the wheel. She almost screamed her head off and he jolted awake, panicked and almost ran into a pedestrian crossing the road.
Tobe preferred to cross the express road directly. He had a problem with heights and the pedestrian bridge was far off. He had crossed safely a million times before. This afternoon could not be different, but he did not anticipate the sleepy cab driver, or the drunken danfo driver who had everything wrong with his bus including a faulty brake pedal.
Every year, over 39,000 Nigerians die from road traffic accidents. It is estimated that about 15 persons are lost per day and 4, every six hours. This needless carnage has led to devastating physical and emotional implications that have dramatically changed the course of many lives in just a split second. Millions are killed globally every year, many are left incapacitated and 90% of those affected are from developing countries like Nigeria whose emergency response systems are still in the infant stages. Major causes of these accidents are speed violation, wrongful overtaking, distracted driving, driving under the influence, poorly maintained vehicles and so on. The good news amidst these sordid details are that road crashes can be avoided. Here are a few things you can do as you travel the roads:
Real life is not fast and furious:
It works in the movies. They drive dangerously and rarely ever die. Some might have a few scratches, bleed a little but the cars bear the brunt of their recklessness. This is not always so in real life. While you drive, be patient. Avoid dangerous overtaking or struggling with the for space on the road, especially with the danfo buses. You might lose a little time, receive some insult from the car drivers behind you as they horn blatantly, but at least, you will save your life and that of your passengers.
Alcohol and safe driving are not allies:
Drinking alcohol and taking recreational drugs before or during driving are major causes of road accidents. If you cannot walk safely after indulging yourself, don’t expect the car wheels will behave themselves either. Do not drink and drive. You can order a cab instead or ask a sober friend to drive. Also remember, rest well before driving. Stress and lack of sleep are as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Your vehicle is a machine:
So maintain it. Cars need regular check-ups and maintenance. It is advisable to replace spoilt or worn out parts instead of managing them. Ensure your brake pedals are working, your tyres are in good shape, your lights are functioning and your mirrors are present. Prevention, they say, is better cheaper than cure.
Follow the rules:
Use your seatbelts, do not use your phone while driving, avoid driving beyond the speed limit, obey the traffic lights, always indicate before you turn or change lanes, etc. Learn them and follow through.
Pedestrians too:
In this part of the world, being a pedestrian is hard work. Pay full attention while walking and try to walk in the direction facing the traffic. Avoid using your phone while walking except it is absolutely necessary. Stop and stand in a safe place at those times. Use the pedestrian bridges, look at both sides of traffic before attempting to cross a road, be alert your environment and avoid using earphones.
NB: There are many ways to avoid road accidents and this list is not in any way exhaustive. As to the curious scenes illustrated at the beginning of the article, we will leave the denouement to your imagination.
After all is said and done, pray for protection, for in these parts of the world, people sitting safely in the stalls, following all pedestrian rules and keeping to the sidewalks, driving at safe speed limits and obeying traffic regulations have been victims of road traffic accidents.
Have a safe week!