How Poor Lane Markings Are Causing Accidents Across Nigeria

On a rainy evening, a driver approaches a bend on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. There are no visible lane markings. A bus ahead drifts toward the center of the road. Confused, the car behind attempts to overtake and a collision occurs.

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This is not an isolated story. Across Nigeria, faded, missing, or non-existent lane markings are turning highways into deadly guessing games. Without clear road boundaries, drivers are forced to guess their position, increasing the risk of head-on collisions, sideswipes, and dangerous overtaking.

This article explores the deadly consequences of poor lane demarcation and why it’s a national road safety emergency that needs urgent attention.

What Are Lane Markings And Why Do They Matter?

Lane markings are painted lines on roads that define lanes and directions of travel. They help:

• Keep Vehicles Aligned: Prevent unintentional lane drift.
• Guide Night Driving: Especially in poorly lit areas.
• Control Overtaking: Show where it’s legal or dangerous.
• Enhance Reaction Time: Drivers anticipate curves, junctions, or lane merges.

The Nigerian Reality: Invisible or Non-Existent Lines

In cities like Abuja and Lagos, some major roads have fresh paint. But beyond that:

• Most highways lack visible lines entirely.
• Rural roads never had markings to begin with.
• Even newly built roads fade within 3 months due to poor-quality paint and no maintenance.

Examples:

• Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: Frequent accidents near unmarked lane merges.
• Abuja-Lokoja Highway: Long stretches with no centerline visibility.
• East-West Road (Niger Delta): Rain erodes markings completely, especially near curves.

How This Causes Accidents

• Confusion at Night: Without reflectors or lines, drivers cross into opposite lanes.
• Overtaking Errors: Drivers can’t judge if it’s a single or dual carriageway.
• Increased Head-On Collisions: Vehicles wander into oncoming traffic.
• Poor Response in Emergencies: Swerving becomes unpredictable when lanes aren’t defined.

FRSC and International Reports

FRSC (2024): Lane misalignment and driver confusion caused 9% of crashes nationwide.

WHO (2023): Identifies lane marking as a “low-cost, high-impact” road safety feature in low-income countries.

Voices from the Road

“At night, I just guess where my lane is,” says Sani, a long-distance driver on the Abuja–Kaduna route.

“I’ve seen two buses collide because they both thought they were in the right lane,” says Rita, a passenger who survived a crash in Benue.

Solutions That Work

Reflective Road Paint

• Use thermoplastic paint with glass beads for night visibility.

Regular Maintenance

• Repaint roads every 6-12 months, especially after rainy seasons.

Lane-Specific Signage

• Add signage showing number of lanes, especially where roads narrow.

Public Awareness

• Educate drivers on recognizing faded road layouts and how to drive defensively on unmarked routes.

Conclusion

Clear lane markings may seem like a small detail but in reality, they are lifesaving infrastructure. Nigeria’s road agencies must treat them with the same urgency as bridges and highways.

Because when lanes disappear, so does safety.