In Nigeria, today asides from driving lessons and road users’ awareness, road conditions are a very important factor to consider. As a beginner, It is very important to know the driving peculiarities of our Nigerian roads so as minimize the risk when on these roads.
Make sure your car is in good condition.
When your car is in perfect condition, You can have better judgement when approaching dangerous driving situations. A good car will boost your road confidence and you would not take any action that would completely leave you at the mercy of another car which might just be a moving disaster.
So have a regular maintenance schedule for your car, check your tyres and your headlights! Don’t go driving at night as a beginner with bad lights.
Use your seatbelt
This isn’t the time for you to show some stunt and not wear your seatbelt. As simple as this is, the seatbelt can save more lives. Look at this: Someone not wearing a seatbelt is more than 30 times likely to be ejected from a vehicle in a crash.
Be Alert
On Nigeria roads, Always drive for the next person. Do not expect that every other road user is careful and very precautious. So it is very important that you stay very alert and prepared for anything.
Learn how to navigate potholes
You can not be a Nigerian driver until you have learnt how to properly navigates potholes. Potholes are no doubts very dangerous when you are driving if not properly navigated or avoided altogether. So as a beginner driver, it is very important that you learn how to drive when they are present. Steady your car and put potholes in the centre; know the ones that are not too deep that you can enter. When it is raining, locate dangerous spots that can easily sink your car and avoid them.
Don’t use your phones while driving.
As a beginner, you must try to always minimize the risk of anything going wrong while driving. When you are calling or chatting, your attention is divided. What if another driver suddenly drifts into your lane? Remember we said you should assume you are the only sane driver on the road. Please use hands-free devices if you must pick the call. Avoid chatting altogether! It is only the living that chats!
Know your road Sign
Also, you must know your Nigerian road signs very well, so that you follow them and always know what to expect and also reduce the risk of being arrested by security operatives.
Ultimately, you must remember your safety and that of other road users is in your hands and you must as much as possible try to keep safe and bear these driving tips in mind when starting out as a driver on Nigeria roads.