I. THE MOTORIST

This class of road user is enclosed in motor vehicles. Because of this enclosure, they feel protected and often assume absolute immunity from accidents. This is a fatal self delusion for which the Federal Road Safety Commision has coined expression: Accident Immunity Delusion Syndrome (RAIDS).

​Rules for Road Use

Driver's Protection: 
  • The driver of a vehicle has only the protection guaranteed by his STRICT obedience to traffic rules.
  • The best protection inside the vehicle is the USE OF SEAT BELT
  • Always fasten your seatbelt and ensure that everyone in your vehicle belts up. S.10(4)(ee), FRSC Act, 2007 

Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs 

  • Never drive after consuming alcoholic drinks or while under the influence of drugs
  • Maximum blood alcohol level for drivers is 0.5gms per litre or 0.05% of blood alcohol (BAC)
  • Alcohol affects your vision, judgement, reduces coordination, and slows down reaction
  • Reduce driving stability even when taken below the legal limit. "DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE". S.10(4)(K), FRSC Act, 2007

​Long distance driving

Driving for long distances tend to make you sleepy. To prevent this, ensure there is plenty of fresh air in your vehicle. 
  • Stop in a convenient place, rest and then walk around to let blood circulate and feed your brain adequately.
  • Take a break of 15 minutes after every four (4) hours of driving.
  • Do not rely on stay-awake drugs like coffee, kola nuts, and even chewing sticks.
  • Have co-driver for any journey exceeding 10 hours. 

Avoid fatigue

  • Fatigue is a deadly, yet silent killer that often goes unnoticed.
  • Drivers tend to overestimate their capabilities and thus, do not know when to act on their tiredness.
  • Do not drive if you are unwell, exhausted or tired from over-work, as ability to drive and coordinate becomes difficult when under stress, be it emotional or physical. 

Passenger's Protection/Responsibilities of Drivers 

  • Drivers hold not only their lives but also that of passengers in their hands. 
  • Comprehensive insurance policy offers cover both the vehicle and passengers in the event of injuries or death occurring from road crashes.
  • Vehicle owners are therefore required by Road Transportation Safety Standardization Scheme (RTSSS) to ensure that their vehicles are properly insured.
  • Drivers are to ensure that passengers enter and disembark at officially designated places where provided.
  • Drivers are not to overload their vehicles with goods or passengers. Passengers stand very high risk of severe injury or death in overloaded vehicles. 

Vehicle protection

  • Keep your vehicle in good working condition, payng particular attention to lights, brakes, steering mechanism, tyres and tyre pressure, direction indicators and wipers.
  • Windscreens and windows should be clean and clear of obstructing materials and ornaments. S.10(4)(w), FRSC Act, 2007