While presenting my memorandum on the speed limit device at the House of Representatives about two years ago, I stated that the device could not be the main antidote to road crashes.
Over speeding is relative. For example, the maximum speed stipulated for private cars is 100 km per hour. It should, however, be noted that there are instances when 60km per hour constitutes excessive or unsafe speed. When a driver is driving in a built up area, his or her speed should not exceed 25 km per hour. The same thing applies to driving at around bus stops, markets, schools, and at a bend among others.
Though the speed limiter installed in your vehicle may allow you to make 100km per hour, you must be cautious to appropriately reduce your speed when approaching a bend, when it is getting dark, when it is cloudy or visibility is poor, when the road is wet, when the road is rough, and when the traffic is heavy with other vehicle moving nearby.
One of the good role models of transport companies in terms of the use of speed limiters is God is Good Motors. I have patronised their Priority bus several times and can attest to this. However, the recent accident on Shagamu-Ore road involving one of the company’ s vehicles is a food for thought, affirming my presentation.
Essentially, what every driver needs, irrespective of his years of experience and driving records, is qualitative education( not peripheral training) in vehicle technology and vehicle dynamics, particularly the Forces, that operate on vehicles in motion, energy level management of drivers( including driver diary/fatigue Management, drug addiction, personal energy level drainers, etc), and the three basic duties of a driver in motion(Gathering, Interpretation and Application of Information for accident avoidance). This is not a training to be brushed over. Every driver must be subjected to this intensive training less than five days.
Every driver with good knowledge of the above-mentioned topics will surely have his driving skills sharpened for hazard perfection and accident avoidance no matter the actions or inactions of other road users.
I use this opportunity to implore all employers to show more concern about the training of their drivers as well as the contents and methodology of the training programmes.
Speed Limiting device is good, but we must proactively look beyond it to ensure the desired safety on the roads.
Dangers of driving against traffic
THE traffic should be prosecuted and jailed.
Where compromise is established between the driver and the vehicle occupants is established, they should also be prosecuted with the driver or rider as the case may be.
The public should also start the habit of shouting at the offenders and snapping their vehicles with the number plates with the aim of reporting them to the appropriate traffic management authorities and for posting on the social media to curb this destructive driving attitude which is pervading every part of the country no matter whose ass is gored.
It is shameful that Nigeria is among countries with the highest rate road traffic crashes and fatalities in the committee of nations.
It has, therefore, become expedient for every possible step, no matter how crude to be taken to drastically stem the very sad tide. A stitch in time saves nine.
