National Issues
Road Accidents In Nigeria -By Bako Jennifer Bootnaan
Increasing awareness: The government should increase awareness about road safety through campaigns, media, and education, to encourage safer driving practices among road users.
The major causes of contemporary road accidents especially in Nigeria may include but not limited to the following circumstances such as
Over-speeding: Drivers often exceed the speed limit on highways and roads, leading to loss of control of the vehicle and accidents.
Poor road conditions: Many roads in Nigeria are poorly constructed and maintained, leading to accidents due to potholes, uneven surfaces, and poor drainage.
Non-compliance with traffic rules: Many drivers in Nigeria do not comply with traffic rules and regulations, leading to accidents.
Overloading: Many commercial drivers overload their vehicles with passengers or goods beyond their capacity, making the vehicle unstable and prone to accidents.
Driving under the influence: Many drivers in northern Nigeria drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their judgment and leading to accidents.
Some possible solutions to reduce road accidents in Nigeria are:
Enforcing traffic laws and regulations: The government should enforce traffic laws and regulations and impose penalties on drivers who break them.
Improving road infrastructure: The government should improve road infrastructure by constructing and maintaining good quality roads, bridges, and drainage systems.
Educating drivers: Drivers should be educated on the importance of obeying traffic rules and the consequences of reckless driving.
Regulating commercial vehicles: The government should regulate commercial vehicles, especially their loading capacity, to prevent overloading and improve safety.
Increasing awareness: The government should increase awareness about road safety through campaigns, media, and education, to encourage safer driving practices among road users.
With the above assert if properly put into practice, road accidents may become a thing of the past not in northern Nigeria alone, but the country at large.
Bako Jennifer Bootnaan writes from Mass Communication Department, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi Bauchi State.
Jenniferbakobootnaan@gmail.com
