The Nation Newspaper

Category: Motoring

  • Dangerous licensing

    Consequent upon the high rate of road traffic crashes, injuries and deaths particularly among passenger carrying vehicles, the training, testing,  licensing and licence renewal for drivers should no more be taken for granted.

    As it stands in Nigeria, many commercial drivers and those who don’t even know how to drive are still getting driver licence with ease without any form of training and testing.

    Most people today do bypass the driving school and proceed straight to the driver licence  centre where they are made to pay higher than the official driver licence fee. They will thereafter be invited for capturing and licence issuance without any structured and unbiased theory and practical test. The issuance of driving school certificate is mostly without the requisite theory test. Hence the rising rate of accidents and deaths on the roads.

    In the countries with low rates of road traffic crashes, would – be drivers must acquire the requisite theory and practical training in accredited driving schools, compulsorily pass the theory and practical tests, go for medical checkup for the mandatory medical reports before he or she can be issued with licence to drive passenger carrying vehicle. The tests are to confirm the mental and physical fitness of the drivers.

    The medical report must cover vision, nervous system, diabetes mellitus, psychiatric illness, general health, cardiac health and medical practitioner details. Driver licence may be refused passenger carrying vehicle or commercial driver licence  if they suffer from any of the following: Liability to epilepsy/seizure, diabetes requiring insulin, eyesight defects, heart disorders, persistent high blood pressure, a stroke within the past year, unconscious lapses within the last five years, any disorder causing vertigo within the last year, major brain surgery or severe head injury with serious continuing after – effects, parkinson’s disease (multiple sclerosis or other chronic nervous disorders likely to affect the use of the limbs), mental disorders, alcohol and other psychoactive drug problems, serious communication problem, etc.

    Driving is a very complex job, which involves the use of the eyes, ears, nose, brain, neck, hands,  and legs to ensure effective and safe vehicle control. A  lapse on the part of the driver can result to loss of lives and properties. Before anyone is issued with driver licence, it must be established through uncompromised  theory and practical tests that the candidates have a comprehensive knowledge of the highway code including the meaning of traffic signs and road markings, thorough knowledge of the national road traffic regulations, a high level of driving skills as well as the ability for good journey planning and hazard perception.

    The road safety management is far from attaining the global standards. It is time to stop taking road safety issues with kids gloves and get more proactive in the war against road traffic crashes, injuries and deaths on the roads.

  • Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross wins awards

    The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, launched last year, has started on a brighter note, winning nine awards so far.  The Eclipse Cross, designed by the Japanese automaker, Mitsubishi Motors, to join its global line-up of crossover SUVs: the ASX compact SUV and the Outlander.

    Sold in over 100 countries, the impressive array of honours from all around the world is due to its technical abilities, design, and safety features.

    The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was won the “Car of the Year in Russia – 2019” during the national award. It was named as the best “Compact SUV” in one of the most highly competitive categories. “Car of the Year in Russia” is judged by a public vote and is the largest survey of its kind in the world, with more than a million people voting for their favourites. The votes are independently verified by research company IpsosComcon.

    The Eclipse Cross crossover SUV was selected as the “RJC Car of the Year 2019” run by the Automotive Researchers’ & Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC).

    In 2018, the car earned the highest safety rating according to the independent European organisation Euro NCAP and was also awarded by the Nigeria Automotive Journalists Association (NAJA) as the Outstanding SUV design of the year.

    Massilia Motors General Manager (Sales), Mr. Tunji Itiola said he was not surprised by the laurels the vehicle has received so far.

    According to him, it has high rough road performance and well-balanced dynamics, due to Mitsubishi’s unique Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system. Equipped for the Nigerian market with a 2.0 liter Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) petrol engine that allows seamless gear interchange, giving the smoothest driving experience within its category.

    Another award-winning safety feature of the Eclipse Cross is the Lane Departure Warning Intelligent sensors placed all around the vehicle. It monitors surroundings and provide active warnings to alert driver of possible danger.

    The Nigerian Line-up includes: ASX, Eclipse Cross, Outlander, Pajero, Pajero Sport and the L200 pick-up.

  • Middle East first destination for Kia Pegas

    Spacious, economical and highly practical, the new Kia Pegas compact sedan goes on-sale this month across the Middle East.

    Entirely new to the region, the Kia Pegas is a smart option for young families in urban areas. It features a big personality, compact dimensions, and generous storage and cabin space.

    The Pegas boasts a stylish exterior design and a spacious interior, as well as an array of convenience features and technologies to please B-segment sedan customers.

    Built by Kia in China, the car was introduced to several international markets in 2017.

    According to Head of Kia’s Middle East and Africa Regional Headquarters, James Kim, Pegas will be a great option for young families looking for a practical car that delivers the perfect combination of comfort, space, and the latest technologies.

    Kim said: “This important new model will enhance the diversity of Kia’s model line-up in the region and will further strengthen the brand’s image. As our newest arrival goes on-sale in the Middle East, Kia now offers customers a greater choice of high-quality vehicles than ever before.”

    The Pegas offers buyers a uniquely stylish design, with sculpted body panels and bold character lines complemented by a striking color palette and a carefully-balanced sedan silhouette. The aerodynamic front of the Pegas, with a drag co-efficient of just 0.29 Cd, presents a bold ‘face’ to the world. Its deep bumpers incorporate sporty air curtain intakes in each corner, and a large trapezoidal air intake. The wide ‘tiger-nose’ grille extends into the headlamps, enhancing the sense of width and stability.

    Viewed from the side, the profile of the Pegas gives it a finely-balanced silhouette. Its definitive character lines give the impression of motion, even while it sits stationary. The relatively long wheelbase and sloping tailgate visually enhances the length of the Pegas. The rear of the car is characterised by its sedan tailgate, with a subtle yet sporty ducktail profile to the trailing edge of the trunk lid and a pair of neat rear combination lamps.

    Depending on market, the Pegas is offered with a choice of up to seven paint colors, ensuring there is a color for every personality. The car runs on 14-inch steel or aluminum alloy wheels.

    Inside, the cabin of the Pegas offers occupants maximum space and convenience. The center fascia has been designed to enhance ease-of-use, with many of the car’s functions controlled with clear, ergonomic buttons. Additionally, the center console provides plenty of storage space to enhance usability, with built-in cupholders that can be reached from the front and rear of the cabin.

  • Weststsar introduces CLA to local market

    Mercedes-Benz said the CLA is the most intelligent and emotive car in its class.

    Building on the success of the first generation which sold over 750,000 units worldwide, the CLA represents an improvement in an already dominant automobile.

    Weststar Associates Limited, authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria announced the arrival of the first units of the all-new CLA to this market.

    The car comes with striking features that emphasise making an already great car even better; the new dynamic design underlines the coupé character in the all-new CLA with its stretched form and design elements such as the bonnet with powerdomes or the rear licence plate which has been moved down.

    The CLA comes with more space at many spots in the interior; at the front, for example, headroom has increased by 17 mm and elbow room by 35 mm, and thanks to a wider opening (+262 mm), the boot compartment is now more convenient to load than the predecessor model. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) has been updated with an interior assistant which recognises operating requests from movements, this makes various comfort and MBUX functions even simpler and more intuitive.

    It relies on four-cylinder petrol engines which in comparison to the previous generation, are characterised by significantly increased power and improved efficiency.

    The exterior gives it the potential to become a modern design icon. As a four-door coupé, the new CLA intrigues with its purist and seductive design; the flat headlamps with the striking daytime running lamps together with the low slung bonnet and the diamond radiator grille with central star create the vehicle’s sporty face, which has clear echoes of classic Mercedes-Benz sports cars. The two-piece, narrow tail lamps and the number plate housed in the bumper on the rear emphasise the width of the CLA. The car thus appears flatter and sportier and has an especially good presence on the road.

    The interior of the all-new CLA exudes themes of ‘high tech’ and ‘youthful avant-garde’. The all-new CLA reveals a technologically and digitally enhanced interior with the widescreen display standing out as a major highlight, while the dashboard comes with more width, creating a generous sense of space.

    The colours and materials of the interior of the CLA vary from the different equipment lines, however, customers are spoilt for choice with the black, macchiato beige, bahia brown or two-tone combinations between these colors or black and red or black and grey; while the trim elements on the dashboard and doors are either in dinamica, carbon optic, aluminum or open-wood high-quality wooden trim.

    Space and comfort is guaranteed with the standard seat with straight stitching, and comfort seat with double topstitching (available with the Progressive equipment line), the backrest of the rear seats is 40:20:40 foldable providing even more space for the trunk whenever the need arises.

    The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) continues its development in the all-new CLA. The multimedia infotainment system has been updated with two striking new features in the MBUX Interior Assistant and the newly improved “Hey Mercedes” voice control. In the all-new CLA the MBUX comes with two 7-inch displays for the instrument cluster and media display with touchscreen, a multifunction sport steering wheel with touch control buttons on the left and right, a USB interface (Type C), a Bluetooth connection for telephony and audio sources as standard. By recognizing movement, the all-new MBUX interior assistant imparts additional intelligence to the interior and makes operating various comfort and MBUX functions even simpler and more intuitive for the passengers. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant can recognise and respond to considerably more complex queries in a growing number of domains including sports, the stock exchange, calculations or general knowledge.

    The CLA comes with more powerful and efficient engines in comparism to its predecessor. For the Nigerian market, the CLA comes in 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The M282 gasoline engine has an output of 100kw/136hp – 120kw/163hp and a peak torque of 200 – 250nm coupled with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, this forms the point of entry for engines in the CLA 180 and CLA 200.

    While the M260 come with an output of 140kw/190hp – 165kw/224hp and a peak torque of 300 – 350nm coupled with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, this engine is housed in the CLA 220 and CLA 250 (4MATIC included).

    The latest Driver Assistance Systems also stand out as another major highlight in the all-new CLA. Incorporating features from the luxury class have made the CLA stand out as the best in the compact class when it comes to safety.

    Weststar Associates Limited Chief Executive Officer Mirko Plath, said the Weststar team is happy to bring the latest Mercedes-Benz compact car to Nigerian roads.

    Plath expressed confident that the success story of the CLA will continue especially in the Nigerian market.

  • Tyre management and safety

    Tyres including the extra are very vital to safe driving. Several reports revealed a lot of accidents and fatalities caused by tyre blowout. It is however disheartening that a lot of Vehicle Owners and Drivers are not paying the required attention to tyre standards. I would like to explore the essential facts about vehicle tyres in this article.

    The whole weight of a vehicle rests on the tyres. The tyres facilitates the movement of the vehicle through effective traction on the road. The condition of the vehicle tyres therefore determine how well they carry the weight of the vehicle. The success and safety of other forms of vehicle maneuverings depends largely on the condition of the tyres.

    Braking – If the tread of a tyre is worn out, the tyre will have less traction on the road and braking will be impaired.

    Blow out – A weak tyre can easily burst while in motion. Overused tyres, tyres left for too long on the ground, expired tyres, and substandard tyres will easily burst while moving on the road.

    Expiration – Tyres are manufactured to last for between 4 and 5 years. The Manufacturing date of a tyre is a 4 – digit code written as Week and Year of manufacture. When you add 4 years to it, the result will give you the expiry date of the tyres. An expired tyre like an expired drug, no matter how new it looks is a safety risk when used on the road.

    Tyre Inflation – The recommended inflation rate of a tyre is usually written on the door pillar of a car, fuel tank lid or elsewhere in kpa or psi. It is also written on the tyres. In my Corporate Driver Training sessions, I always advice Vehicle Owners and Drivers not to rely on the inflation rate printed on the tyres but more on those written on the door pillar or other parts of the vehicle. This is because the tyre Manufacturer had no idea of the weight of the vehicle to use the tyres. The vehicle manufacturer who already knew the weight of the vehicle is in a better position to determine the appropriate tyres to use.  Never depend on the inflation rate recommended by Vulcanizers. Rather, depend mainly on the rate recommended by the vehicle manufacturers.

    Over – Inflation – When a tyre is over inflated, it wears off faster at the centre of the tyre thereby worsening the traction and fuels tyre blowout.

    Under – Inflation – When a tyre is under – inflated, it wears off on the sides thereby fueling the overheating of the tyres and eventual blowout.

    Cornering – The condition of a tyre greatly determines the safety of a vehicle in negotiating a bend. A weak or under – inflated tyres while cornering may cause tyre burst or roll – over at sharp bends.

    Wheel balancing and Alignment – should be promptly done as and when necessary as part of the safe tyre management practice. The frequency depends on the condition of the road used.

    Tyre Rotation -,should be carried out at the appropriate intervals depending on the distance covered by the vehicle and level of wears on the tyres.

    Vulcanizing –  Modern technology that does damage the tyres should be preferred to the conventional method of removing and fixing of tyres.

    Tyre use – Drivers must avoid using the tyres to rub or climb road kerbs to reduce the rate of wear and tear on the tyres. Drivers should occasionally check to pick out broken bottles, iron and stones from the tyres to prevent a quick damage to them.

    Avoid using expired, worn-out, twisted, over – inflated, under – inflated and inappropriate tyres. The newness of your tyres should not a passport to over – speeding, always remember the condition of the road, weather and manufacturers error which could fuel safety risks on the road.

    FRSC, VIOs and other Traffic Management Officers should intensify efforts in the monitoring of the Standards of vehicle tyres right at the Motor Parks, Bus stops and on the roads to ensure compliance to vehicle and tyre standards to enhance safety on Nigeria roads.

     

  • Weststsar introduces CLA to local market

    Mercedes-Benz said the CLA is the most intelligent and emotive car in its class.

    Building on the success of the first generation which sold over 750,000 units worldwide, the CLA represents an improvement in an already dominant automobile.

    Weststar Associates Limited, authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria announced the arrival of the first units of the all-new CLA to this market.

    The car comes with striking features that emphasise making an already great car even better; the new dynamic design underlines the coupé character in the all-new CLA with its stretched form and design elements such as the bonnet with powerdomes or the rear licence plate which has been moved down.

    The CLA comes with more space at many spots in the interior; at the front, for example, headroom has increased by 17 mm and elbow room by 35 mm, and thanks to a wider opening (+262 mm), the boot compartment is now more convenient to load than the predecessor model. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) has been updated with an interior assistant which recognises operating requests from movements, this makes various comfort and MBUX functions even simpler and more intuitive.

    It relies on four-cylinder petrol engines which in comparison to the previous generation, are characterised by significantly increased power and improved efficiency.

    The exterior gives it the potential to become a modern design icon. As a four-door coupé, the new CLA intrigues with its purist and seductive design; the flat headlamps with the striking daytime running lamps together with the low slung bonnet and the diamond radiator grille with central star create the vehicle’s sporty face, which has clear echoes of classic Mercedes-Benz sports cars. The two-piece, narrow tail lamps and the number plate housed in the bumper on the rear emphasise the width of the CLA. The car thus appears flatter and sportier and has an especially good presence on the road.

    The interior of the all-new CLA exudes themes of ‘high tech’ and ‘youthful avant-garde’. The all-new CLA reveals a technologically and digitally enhanced interior with the widescreen display standing out as a major highlight, while the dashboard comes with more width, creating a generous sense of space.

    The colours and materials of the interior of the CLA vary from the different equipment lines, however, customers are spoilt for choice with the black, macchiato beige, bahia brown or two-tone combinations between these colors or black and red or black and grey; while the trim elements on the dashboard and doors are either in dinamica, carbon optic, aluminum or open-wood high-quality wooden trim.

    Space and comfort is guaranteed with the standard seat with straight stitching, and comfort seat with double topstitching (available with the Progressive equipment line), the backrest of the rear seats is 40:20:40 foldable providing even more space for the trunk whenever the need arises.

    The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) continues its development in the all-new CLA. The multimedia infotainment system has been updated with two striking new features in the MBUX Interior Assistant and the newly improved “Hey Mercedes” voice control. In the all-new CLA the MBUX comes with two 7-inch displays for the instrument cluster and media display with touchscreen, a multifunction sport steering wheel with touch control buttons on the left and right, a USB interface (Type C), a Bluetooth connection for telephony and audio sources as standard. By recognizing movement, the all-new MBUX interior assistant imparts additional intelligence to the interior and makes operating various comfort and MBUX functions even simpler and more intuitive for the passengers. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant can recognise and respond to considerably more complex queries in a growing number of domains including sports, the stock exchange, calculations or general knowledge.

    The CLA comes with more powerful and efficient engines in comparism to its predecessor. For the Nigerian market, the CLA comes in 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The M282 gasoline engine has an output of 100kw/136hp – 120kw/163hp and a peak torque of 200 – 250nm coupled with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, this forms the point of entry for engines in the CLA 180 and CLA 200.

    While the M260 come with an output of 140kw/190hp – 165kw/224hp and a peak torque of 300 – 350nm coupled with the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission, this engine is housed in the CLA 220 and CLA 250 (4MATIC included).

    The latest Driver Assistance Systems also stand out as another major highlight in the all-new CLA. Incorporating features from the luxury class have made the CLA stand out as the best in the compact class when it comes to safety.

    Weststar Associates Limited Chief Executive Officer Mirko Plath, said the Weststar team is happy to bring the latest Mercedes-Benz compact car to Nigerian roads.

    Plath expressed confident that the success story of the CLA will continue especially in the Nigerian market.

  • Middle East first destination for Kia Pegas

    Spacious, economical and highly practical, the new Kia Pegas compact sedan goes on-sale this month across the Middle East.

    Entirely new to the region, the Kia Pegas is a smart option for young families in urban areas. It features a big personality, compact dimensions, and generous storage and cabin space.

    The Pegas boasts a stylish exterior design and a spacious interior, as well as an array of convenience features and technologies to please B-segment sedan customers.

    Built by Kia in China, the car was introduced to several international markets in 2017.

    According to Head of Kia’s Middle East and Africa Regional Headquarters, James Kim, Pegas will be a great option for young families looking for a practical car that delivers the perfect combination of comfort, space, and the latest technologies.

    Kim said: “This important new model will enhance the diversity of Kia’s model line-up in the region and will further strengthen the brand’s image. As our newest arrival goes on-sale in the Middle East, Kia now offers customers a greater choice of high-quality vehicles than ever before.”

    Read Also: Kia introduces Seltos

    The Pegas offers buyers a uniquely stylish design, with sculpted body panels and bold character lines complemented by a striking color palette and a carefully-balanced sedan silhouette. The aerodynamic front of the Pegas, with a drag co-efficient of just 0.29 Cd, presents a bold ‘face’ to the world. Its deep bumpers incorporate sporty air curtain intakes in each corner, and a large trapezoidal air intake. The wide ‘tiger-nose’ grille extends into the headlamps, enhancing the sense of width and stability.

    Viewed from the side, the profile of the Pegas gives it a finely-balanced silhouette. Its definitive character lines give the impression of motion, even while it sits stationary. The relatively long wheelbase and sloping tailgate visually enhances the length of the Pegas. The rear of the car is characterised by its sedan tailgate, with a subtle yet sporty ducktail profile to the trailing edge of the trunk lid and a pair of neat rear combination lamps.

    Depending on market, the Pegas is offered with a choice of up to seven paint colors, ensuring there is a color for every personality. The car runs on 14-inch steel or aluminum alloy wheels.

    Inside, the cabin of the Pegas offers occupants maximum space and convenience. The center fascia has been designed to enhance ease-of-use, with many of the car’s functions controlled with clear, ergonomic buttons. Additionally, the center console provides plenty of storage space to enhance usability, with built-in cupholders that can be reached from the front and rear of the cabin.

  • First Ghana-Assembled Toyota vehicle out 2020

    The President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Ichiro Kashitani, has promised to outdoor the company’s first vehicle to be assembled in Ghana by August 2020.

    Kashitani, who expressed gratitude to the Ghana Government for the tremendous help and support towards the realisation of the project, said: “we consider the project of the assembly plant a marriage. It lasts for life and it is a long-term project.”

    He made this known when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo witnessed the signing in Tokyo, Japan, of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Ghana and the TTC for the establishment of a Toyota and Suzuki Assembly Plant in Ghana.

    The Chief Operations Officer of the company in charge of the Africa division of Toyota Tsusho, Mr. Imai Toshimitsu, who was also at the meeting, said the decision to set up an assembly plant in Ghana had been necessitated by the favourable economic climate prevailing in the country.

    “We are willing to participate in the automotive industry in Ghana. I am very happy that we have reached the consensus and principal agreement to start the Toyota and Suzuki assembly plants. We are planning to kick-off the project immediately and hopefully, we will have the first car made in Ghana this time (August) next year. Thank you very much for your support,” he added.

    Toshimitsu stated that details of the work to be undertaken in Ghana, including the volumes and models of the vehicles to be produced, were contained in the MoU.

    “The products to be assembled in Ghana include the Toyota Hilux pickup, which is already popular in Ghana. Since it will be locally produced, I hope it will be more popular. We are also planning to introduce small passenger cars, with two Suzuki brands,” the Toyota COO explained.

    The decision to assemble Suzuki vehicles in Ghana, according to Toshimitsu, follows the acquisition  of a 4.9 per cent stake in Suzuki by Toyota Tsusho, thus making Toyota a “principal shareholder” in Suzuki.

    “So, Suzuki products will be assembled and sold in Ghana. The cars which will be produced in Ghana are our core models for Africa and Ghana customers,” he stressed.

    On his part, President Akufo-Addo stated that the signing of the MoU with Toyota Tsusho falls in line with the vision of making Ghana an automotive hub for West Africa and the larger African market.

    With the coming into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the President noted that “Ghana is the base to reach this larger African market”.

    He continued, “We are attaching a great deal of importance to the initiative and development. We want to assure you that, whatever it is we can do on the side of the Ghana Government to provide you with the necessary support and assurance that the investment you are going to make in our country will be worth your while, you can count on us to do that.”

    It will be recalled that, in March this year, officials from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Suzuki Motor Corporation and CFAO announced a joint venture arrangement to assemble and distribute vehicles in Ghana.

  • Ferry boss seeks patronage of water transportation

    The Managing Director of Lagos Ferry Services Company, Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, has sympathised with the victims of Ikorodu Truck accident.

    He advised motorists to drive within the approved speed limit.

    Ladi-Balogun, however, urged Lagosians to patronise the waterways as alternative means of transportation “considering the fact that our waterways are free from gridlocks.”

    According to him, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is making efforts to ensure security and welfare of all Lagosians.

    This, Ladi-Balogun said, led to vigorously pursue the attainment of intermodal systems of transportation, including optimal usage of the waterways.

    The ferry services chief implored Lagosians to take advantage of water transportation to help decongest the road traffic.

    He assured them of their safety on the waterways in the hands of well-trained professionals offering customer-centric services.

    He said: “Lagos state government has made huge investments in water transportation infrastructures. The first pillar of the strategic policy drive is seamless integrated systems of Transportation and Traffic Management as espoused in the THEMES agenda of.

    “To this effect, Lagos Ferry Services has acquired Ultra-Modern 60 seaters and 40 seaters Passenger Boats and 120 tonnage Cargo Barges to ferry Cars and Goods across Lagos Waterways to boost commerce. It is also a strategic component of Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.”

    Ladi-Balogun said water transportation is faster, safer, cheaper and offers pleasant experiences.

    “We are working assiduously to achieve our collective dream for a greater Lagos,” he said.

  • A stitch in time …

    The recent accident involving an articulated vehicle and a BRT bus was unfortunate and avoidable. Several of such accident happened in different parts of Nigeria on daily basis. Many lives have been lost and several properties wasted. How long will our governments, employers of labour and other stakeholders in the Transportation industry continue to fold arms without taking and encouraging proactive actions to stem the evil tide in Nigeria? The UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011 – 2020) is ending next year without a pass mark in the accomplishment of the five pillars. It is sad!

    As an experienced driver trainer once engaged to train 32 Dangote trailer drivers and trailer drivers in two other companies in Nigeria, I can confidently say here that over 80 per cent of the drivers of articulated vehicles (Tankers, Trailers, etc) know very little or nothing about :

    • Vehicle Dynamics (the forces that operate on a vehicle in motion) particularly, the operation of Kinetic Energy on the trailer when it is loaded and speeding, the operation of centrifugal force on the trailer when steered or making a turn, inertia, traction, brake management, etc.
    • Personal Energy Level which determines the drivers’ mental and physical fitness to drive.
    • Fatigue and Drug Abuse (most of the drivers don’t know the detailed impacts of sleep debts on their health and driving. In a bid to meet targets, they use different types of psychoactive drugs thinking that it will keep them awake and active for long hours without adequate pre-drive sleep.
    • Lane management and the Right of way.

    The inadequacy and corruption in the Driver Licence system is also not helping the situation. Many of these drivers acquired their driver licence without any form of training while some of them don’t even have driver licence.

    The employers of the drivers should be responsible for the professional training and retraining of their drivers with a duration of not less than three whole days. The employers should also avoid setting targets that can force the drivers to over work at the expense of their health and fitness.

    Driving is the most complex job globally because it involves the highest number of body organs to operate and the work environment change frequently. The eyes, ears, nose, brain, hands, legs, neck, and even mouth are regularly engaged in the art of driving while the weather and road conditions keep changing as the journey proceeds. These series of driving activities put a lot of pressure on the drivers. It requires the right training and regular  re – training for drivers to be able to coordinate the three duties for effective and safe vehicle control.

    Until all the drivers of articulated vehicles are subjected to compulsory and comprehensive professional training and annual refresher training coupled with effective traffic law enforcement, Nigeria will continue to experience the high rate of accidents involving articulated vehicles.

    A stitch in time saves nine.