EUGENE HERBERT
A first solo road trip is a major milestone for any young Nigerian driver. The independence is thrilling. But on Nigerian roads, especially during festive seasons when traffic volumes surge and crashes spike, it also comes with serious safety risks.
Parents, Set Your Teen Up for Success
1. Do a full vehicle check-up.
2.Book a pre-trip inspection at a trusted service centre:
3.Nigerian roads can be unpredictable, so make sure your teen understands basic car care: checking oil and coolant, monitoring tyre pressure (critical on hot highways), and recognising dashboard warning signs.
4.Pack an emergency kit (jumper cables, torchlight, reflective triangles, basic tools, and a first-aid kit).
5.Plan a realistic route: Identify fuel stations, rest stops, and safer corridors (e.g., Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Abuja–Lokoja, Benin–Ore). Agree on backup routes in case of road closures or congestion.
6.Set clear check-in expectations, short voice notes or texts at major stops can be lifesaving if something goes wrong.
7.Prepare financially: Roadside assistance services are limited in many parts of Nigeria. Ensure your teen has enough airtime, data, and emergency funds for unexpected situations like punctures, extra fuel, or mechanical issues.
8.Lay down the non-negotiables: Zero tolerance for drunk driving, drug use, speeding, night-time overconfidence, or distracted driving. No overcrowding the vehicle.
9.Frame these as safety essentials, not restrictions. Use real-life Nigerian crash examples and videos that show consequences clearly.
Real Talk with Young Drivers
Your phone can kill: Put it away. Activate Do Not Disturb While Driving. Set navigation before moving. No texting on Lagos–Benin, Abuja–Kaduna, or any highway. One glance away can be fatal.
Fatigue is deadly: If you’re yawning or losing focus, pull over at a safe petrol station or rest area. A quick nap is better than drifting off at the wheel.
Energy drinks are not a substitute for actual rest, especially under the hot Nigerian sun.
Trust your gut about weather: With Nigeria’s erratic rainfall patterns and sudden storms, even skilled drivers struggle in heavy downpours. If the weather turns bad, park safely and wait it out. If caught unexpectedly, slow down and increase your following distance-wet roads reduce traction drastically.
Never let your tank drop below one-quarter: Long stretches, like between Ore and Benin or Kaduna and Zaria, can have limited fuel stations. Refill at half-tank if you’re unsure of the next dependable station.
Watch your passengers: Friends can hype you into risky behaviour. You’re the pilot. Don’t give in to pressure to speed, overtake blindly, or play loud, distracting music.
Be the safety leader: Ensure everyone is belted before moving. Seatbelts improve survival chances by almost half in crash situations.
Minimise all distractions: Keep snacks and water where you can reach them easily. Avoid rummaging around while the car is in motion.
Final Word
The freedom of a first Nigerian road trip is exciting, but it comes with responsibility. Make smart, calm decisions. Let this be the first of many safe adventures. Not the last.
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