[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t does not matter, even a brand new vehicle can break down at any time and at most unexpected location.
In city of Lagos, it is common for certain motorists to panic, whenever their vehicles break down along the road, for they believe Lagos State Traffic Management Authority(LASTMA) would pick up such vehicles. They are more worried, because such an experience in Lagos, Nigeria, could attract a heavy fine.
Truth is that, all over the world, including Nigeria, traffic law gives allowance for vehicle breakdown. Vehicles are machines. So they can break down any moment, anywhere.
When a motorist can incur sanction is where he or she fails to take necessary post-breakdown actions stipulated by the law, which is the aspect many motorists seem to be ignorant of.
To ensure safety of other road users, when a vehicle breaks down, a motorist is expected to do the following:
Turn on your hazard lights: This is meant to warn other motorists or road users that something wrong with the vehicle.
Pull over : In case the car is still on the move, motorist is expected to look for a safe place or right shoulder of the road to pull over and attend to the vehicles’ problem.
Turn your wheel away from the road and apply emergency brake : This prevents your car from rolling, if you’re stuck on any kind of hill
Triple-check before getting out of the car: Make absolutely sure the coast is clear before attempting to get out of your car, especially on a busy highway
Set up your triangles behind your car usually about 10 feet behind it.
Call for help: If you have a roadside assistance provider, give them a call. If you don’t, call your mechanic or a tow truck. But avoid road side mechanics like plague, for there is great possibility they do not understand the vehicle, but might, at the end, swindle you and worsen the condition of the vehicle.
