Motorists across the United Kingdom are being advised to carry an item many might not immediately think of as essential: a blanket.

Also Read: Cars to Avoid Before You Waste Your Hard-Earned Cash

While it may sound unusual in an era of high-tech driving aids and emergency kits, experts and road safety officials stress that a blanket can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations.

Why a Blanket?

1. Breakdowns in Cold Weather

Cars can and do break down at the most inconvenient times, from motorway hard shoulders to remote country roads. In freezing conditions, waiting for roadside assistance without proper warmth can quickly become dangerous. A simple blanket helps keep drivers and passengers insulated from the cold.

2. Accident Survival Tool

In the event of a crash, shock often reduces body temperature, putting victims at risk of hypothermia even during cool summer nights. Wrapping up in a blanket until paramedics arrive can provide crucial warmth and comfort.

3. Stranded Motorists

Severe weather conditions, from snowstorms to heavy floods, can leave vehicles stranded for hours. Having a blanket on hand ensures you and your passengers stay warm and calm while waiting for rescue.

4. Multi-Purpose Use

Beyond emergencies, blankets can double as makeshift pillows for long trips, seat covers during picnics, or even padding if you need to work under your car.

Beyond Warmth – Other Uses

A blanket isn’t just for emergencies. It can double as extra padding for children, a temporary seat cover, or even a makeshift mat if you need to kneel while fixing a tyre. In extreme cases, it can also provide comfort and warmth to injured passengers while waiting for medical help.

Other Winter Essentials for Drivers

In addition to a blanket, motorists are encouraged to keep the following in their cars during the winter months:

• Ice scraper & de-icer spray
• First aid kit
• Torch with spare batteries
• Portable phone charger/power bank
• Non-perishable snacks & bottled water
• High-visibility jacket

Road Safety Advice

Motoring groups like the AA and RAC have long encouraged UK drivers to keep emergency kits in their vehicles, including jump leads, torches, first aid kits, water, snacks, and now blankets. The advice is simple: plan for the unexpected.

As unpredictable British weather continues to cause travel chaos, something as ordinary as a blanket may prove to be one of the most practical items in your car.

In Nigeria, vehicle breakdowns are common, but what’s even more common are fatal mistakes made immediately after. From standing in dangerous spots to calling for help in the wrong way, thousands of drivers expose themselves to unnecessary risk.

Also Read: How Poorly Maintained Vehicle Suspensions Put Nigerian Drivers at Risk

Picture this: you’re driving on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and your car suddenly sputters, then dies. With trucks rushing past and no shoulder in sight, what you do next can mean the difference between life and death.

This article outlines 10 critical things you should never do when your car breaks down on any Nigerian road — plus what to do instead to stay safe.

Don’t Panic or Slam on the Brakes

Many drivers freeze or brake abruptly when the car fails. This can cause rear-end collisions or loss of control.
Instead: Keep your hands steady and steer gradually to a safe stopping point. Use hazard lights immediately.

Don’t Step Out Without Checking for Oncoming Traffic

One of the most dangerous things you can do is jump out of the vehicle without looking.
Instead: Use your mirrors. Wait for a safe moment, then exit the car from the passenger side if you’re on a busy road.

Don’t Stand Behind or in Front of the Car

In 2024, several Nigerians died after being hit while inspecting their vehicle from behind on a highway.
Instead: Stand away from the road and facing traffic. Never turn your back to oncoming vehicles.

Don’t Open the Bonnet Until the Car Cools

Especially if the issue involves overheating, lifting the bonnet can expose you to burns or steam injuries.
Instead: Wait 10-15 minutes before touching the bonnet.

Don’t Call for Help Without Giving Proper Location

Saying “I’m somewhere on Benin–Ore Road” isn’t helpful in an emergency.
Instead: Note landmarks, kilometer markers, gas stations, or share live GPS location.

Don’t Try to Push the Car Alone

This happens frequently in Lagos traffic, a driver attempts to push the car solo, leading to injury or uncontrolled rolling.
Instead: Stay inside and steer while getting assistance to push safely.

Don’t Rely Only on Hazard Lights at Night

Hazard lights may not be visible from far distances.
Instead: Place reflective warning triangles at least 30 meters behind the car. You can also use a flashlight or hazard cone if you have one.

Don’t Accept Help from Unknown “Touts”

Fake helpers and roadside scammers often exploit stranded motorists.
Instead: Call a verified towing service, friend, or mechanic. Be wary of anyone who appears too eager to “assist.”

Don’t Leave the Car Unlocked

Even in a breakdown, theft or assault is a real threat.
Instead: Lock doors while waiting for help, especially at night or in isolated areas.

Don’t Wait in the Middle of the Road

If your vehicle is immobile in a travel lane, staying inside can be fatal if another car crashes into you.
Instead: Exit safely and wait well off the road, ideally behind a concrete barrier or guardrail.

Case Example

In May 2024, a breakdown on the Abuja–Keffi Road turned fatal when a driver stood behind his car to make a call. A trailer lost control and struck the stationary vehicle — killing him instantly.

One wrong move during a breakdown can cost everything.

What to Do Instead: A Safety Checklist

• Steer to safety
• Turn on hazard lights
• Exit from the passenger side
• Place warning signs
• Call verified help
• Wait at a safe distance

Conclusion

Vehicle breakdowns are unavoidable but the way you respond is entirely in your control. Nigerian roads are dangerous enough; don’t add unnecessary risks.

Protect yourself. Stay alert. Make the right decisions during roadside emergencies.

It’s a common sight on Nigerian roads: cars, buses, and even fuel tankers driving bumper-to-bumper at high speeds. Whether on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway or inside Abuja traffic, tailgating has become a dangerous norm.

Also Read: The 7-Second Rule: The Life-Saving Driving Habit Most Nigerians Ignore

Yet, following too closely or tailgating is one of the leading causes of rear-end collisions in Nigeria. Many drivers don’t realize that they’re only one split second away from disaster, especially in wet conditions or on bad roads.

This article breaks down why tailgating is so deadly, the psychology behind it, and how to protect yourself from this silent killer on Nigerian highways.

What is Tailgating?

Tailgating occurs when a driver follows another vehicle too closely without leaving enough space to stop safely.

The recommended safe following distance is at least 3 seconds in dry weather or up to 7 seconds in bad conditions. In Nigeria, many drivers follow with barely a 1-second gap.

Why It’s So Common in Nigeria

Several road culture and infrastructure factors contribute to tailgating:

• Impatience: Many drivers want to “pressure” the vehicle in front to move faster.
• Heavy Traffic: In Lagos and Port Harcourt, tight gaps feel “normal.”
• Inexperience: New or untrained drivers often don’t understand stopping distance.
• Bad Roads: Sudden braking to dodge potholes leads to frequent rear-end hits.

The Science of Stopping Distance

Stopping distance = Reaction Time + Braking Distance

At 100 km/h:

• Reaction Time (~1.5 seconds): You travel ~42 meters before even touching the brakes.
• Braking Distance: Adds another 50–60 meters.

So, you need at least 100meters to stop safely at 100 km/h, yet many Nigerian drivers follow within 10-20 meters.

Real-Life Scenarios from Nigerian Roads

• Benin–Ore Road (2024): A multiple vehicle crash killed 6 when a trailer braked suddenly and the bus behind couldn’t stop in time.
• Lagos 3rd Mainland Bridge: Rear-end crashes are common due to fast traffic and short gaps.
• Rainy Season Accidents: Tyres lose grip, but drivers don’t increase their distance.

Risks of Tailgating

• Rear-End Collisions: The most direct and frequent result.
• Multi-Car Pileups: Especially on expressways.
• Aggressive Driving Conflicts: Tailgating often leads to road rage.
• Brake Failure Accidents: Drivers who tailgate constantly may overuse brakes, leading to failure.

How to Avoid the Danger Zone

Use the 3-Second Rule

Pick a marker (pole, tree, sign), count “one-thousand-one… one-thousand-three” after the vehicle in front passes it.

If you pass it before 3 seconds, you’re too close.

Double the Gap in Bad Conditions

In rain, fog, or at night, use a 6–7 second gap.

Stay Out of Tailgaters’ Way

If someone tailgates you, move lanes or let them pass. Don’t brake suddenly.

Conclusion

Following too closely is one of the most preventable causes of crashes on Nigerian roads. It may feel like you’re saving time, but the cost could be your life or someone else’s. Give space. Stay alive. Let’s change our road habits, one safe distance at a time.