Top 10 Driving Mistakes Motorists Make

Every day on Nigerian roads, thousands of motorists set out with the hope of reaching their destinations safely. Yet, despite modern vehicles and stricter traffic laws, our highways remain among the most dangerous in Africa.

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According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria records over 40,000 road crashes annually, with human error accounting for more than 85% of these accidents.

The truth is clear: bad roads and faulty vehicles are factors, but the biggest threat to road safety in Nigeria is driver behavior. From reckless speeding to ignoring basic traffic rules, many motorists unknowingly put themselves and others at risk.

In this article, RoadKing.ng breaks down the 10 most common mistakes Nigerian drivers make and provides practical tips on how to avoid them.

1. Overspeeding

Overspeeding is the number one cause of fatal accidents in Nigeria. Many drivers believe reaching their destination faster saves time, but in reality, it often leads to disaster.

• Why it’s dangerous: Higher speed reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
• How to avoid it: Always obey speed limits (100km/h for highways, 50km/h in towns). Use speed limiters if you’re a commercial driver.

2. Wrong Overtaking

On Nigeria’s single-lane highways, wrong overtaking is a silent killer. Drivers often attempt to overtake without clear visibility or in heavy traffic.

• Why it’s dangerous: Head-on collisions from wrong overtaking are usually fatal.
• How to avoid it: Only overtake when you have a clear view ahead and enough space to return safely.

3. Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol and drug use behind the wheel remains common, especially among commercial drivers.

• Why it’s dangerous: Impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and increases aggression.
• How to avoid it: Never drink and drive. FRSC’s Breathalyzer checks are increasing avoid risking lives and legal trouble.

4. Neglecting Seatbelts

Despite awareness campaigns, many Nigerians especially passengers still ignore seatbelts.

• Why it’s dangerous: Seatbelts reduce fatal injury risk by 45%.
• How to avoid it: Buckle up always, both as driver and passenger. Enforce it for everyone in your car.

5. Using Phones While Driving

From WhatsApp texting to voice calls, distracted driving has become a major menace.

• Why it’s dangerous: A few seconds of distraction at 100km/h can equal blindfolded driving across a football pitch.
• How to avoid it: Use hands-free devices or pull over before using your phone.

6. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Many motorists drive with faulty brakes, bald tires, and dim headlights.

• Why it’s dangerous: Mechanical failures caused by neglect often result in avoidable crashes.
• How to avoid it: Adopt the 10 car maintenance habits highlighted in our previous RoadKing.ng feature.

7. Ignoring Traffic Signs and Lights

From running red lights in Lagos to ignoring stop signs in rural towns, traffic laws are often disregarded.

• Why it’s dangerous: Increases crash risk at intersections.
• How to avoid it: Respect traffic signals and road signs. Remember, they’re placed for your safety, not inconvenience.

8. Tailgating (Following Too Closely)

Impatience leads many drivers to tailgate, especially in city traffic.

• Why it’s dangerous: Leaves no room for sudden stops, causing rear-end collisions.
• How to avoid it: Maintain at least a 3-second gap between your car and the one in front.

9. Fatigue Driving

Long-haul drivers and night travelers often underestimate the dangers of drowsy driving.

• Why it’s dangerous: Sleepy drivers have slower reflexes, similar to drunk drivers.
• How to avoid it: Rest well before long journeys. Stop every 2 hours to stretch or nap if necessary.

10. Reckless Lane Changing

Many motorists switch lanes without indicating, especially in congested cities.

• Why it’s dangerous: Confuses other drivers and leads to sideswipe accidents.
• How to avoid it: Always use your indicator and check mirrors before changing lanes.

Why These Mistakes Persist

• Poor driving school standards.
• Corruption in licensing systems.
• Weak enforcement of penalties.
• Cultural habits of impatience and lawlessness.

Until attitudes change, Nigerian roads will remain unsafe.

How to Be a Responsible Driver

1. Take driver education seriously.
2. Respect traffic laws.
3. Practice defensive driving.
4. Keep your vehicle roadworthy.
5. Remember: driving is not just about you, but about everyone sharing the road.

Conclusion

Road accidents are not random events, they are the result of repeated mistakes. If Nigerian drivers can correct these 10 deadly habits, thousands of lives could be saved annually.

At RoadKing.ng, our mission is to keep reminding every motorist: “Safe driving is no accident, it’s a responsibility.”