Understanding Traffic Laws for Nigerian Motorists
Navigating Nigerian roads requires more than just knowing where you're going; it's about understanding and following traffic laws to ensure everyone's safety. Let's explore the ins and outs of these laws and why they matter. But before diving into that, let's have a look at who a driver is the kind of test the driver has to undertake and types of driver.
DRIVER
WHO IS DRIVER?
A driver is any person who can operate both mechanical and electronic movable objects on the road. This movable object can be a motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailers (big trucks), crane, and other mechanical movable objects. For anyone to be certified as a driver in Nigeria, he or she must have attained the legal age of 18. A driver is also one who can control the movement of a vehicle and who is competent in vehicle related matters. For one to be called a certified driver, he or she must have passed the necessary tests related to driving in the country he or she wants to practicalise his or her driving skills. Amongst the tests an individual has to undertake to become a driver includes:
i. Visual Acuity Test
ii. Certified Driving Skill Test
VISUAL ACUITY TEST
This test is required in order to know the visual ability of the individual. If the test is impaired, such individual is required to get his or her vision corrected by using a medicated eye glasses.
CERTIFIED DRIVING SKILL TEST
This test is carried out after the individual might have undergone training in a driving school. The test is carried out to know the competence of the driver.
TYPES OF DRIVERS
The following are the two main types of drivers in Nigeria:
i. Private Drivers
ii. Commercial Drivers.
PRIVATE DRIVER
This is a person who drives himself or herself in order to ease the stress of commercial transportation. Sometimes he or she may be the owner of the vehicle he or she drives.
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
These are the set of people who are professionals and who operate commercial motor vehicles. Many of them can be found under the umbrella of NURTW, RTEAN, NARTO, SECDAA and PTD/NUPENG associations.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A DRIVER
There are certain responsibilities a driver must possess. And are classified below
i. Vision
ii. Patience
iii. Caution
iv. Mental Orderliness
V. Driving under Influence
VISION
The eye is a major part of the human body. The eye sends information to the brain for analysis and transmission of decision. 90% of information needed for driving is collected through the eyes. A person with visual disability cannot drive or operate a vehicle.
PATIENCE
A driver must not be in a hurry when driving. It is essential for drivers to exercise patience especially when driving in a heavy traffic.
CAUTION
A good and competent driver should be able to take caution when it is called for. He or she should be able to exercise patience and not try to be smart or sharp by beating the traffic. Drivers should adhere strictly to traffic rules and signs.