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.

Also Read: UK Drivers Urged to Keep a Blanket in Their Cars

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.”

Every year, thousands of lives are lost on Nigerian roads. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded over 11,000 crashes in 2023 alone, with human error accounting for more than 80% of them.

Also Read: Calabar: Two Mini Buses Crash Opposite Municipal Council Gate

Poor infrastructure, reckless driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and lack of road safety knowledge combine to make Nigerian highways among the deadliest in Africa.

Road safety is not just a government responsibility; it is the duty of every driver, passenger, and pedestrian.

In this article, RoadKing.ng breaks down essential road safety tips every Nigerian driver must know and practice daily. From vehicle readiness to defensive driving, these are not just suggestions, they are survival strategies.

1. Always Carry Valid Driving Documents

Before starting any journey, ensure you have:

• Driver’s license
• Vehicle license and proof of ownership
• Insurance certificate
• Roadworthiness certificate
• Fire extinguisher, caution signs, and first aid kit

Failure to carry these not only attracts fines but also puts you at risk if an accident occurs.

2. Prioritize Vehicle Maintenance

Many Nigerian road crashes are caused by poorly maintained vehicles. Common issues include:

• Worn-out tires leading to blowouts
• Faulty brakes
• Non-functional headlights and indicators
• Weak suspension

Tip: Schedule routine checks with a qualified mechanic. Always inspect tires, lights, brakes, and engine oil before long journeys. Prevention is cheaper than repairs or hospital bills.

3. Obey Speed Limits

Overspeeding is one of the leading killers on Nigerian roads. FRSC guidelines set:

• 100 km/h for cars on highways
• 90 km/h for buses
• 60 km/h for trucks

Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these limits. Remember: speed thrills, but it also kills. Driving at a safe speed gives you time to react to sudden hazards like potholes, pedestrians, or other vehicles.

4. Avoid Drunk and Drugged Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) is both illegal and deadly. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times, impair judgment, and increase the chances of a crash. If you must drink, do not drive. Use alternatives such as taxis, ride-hailing apps, or a designated sober driver.

5. Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means anticipating the mistakes of others and protecting yourself. In Nigeria’s chaotic road environment, this is crucial.

• Maintain a safe following distance.
• Assume other drivers may not signal before turning.
• Watch out for motorcyclists and pedestrians.
• Be ready to brake, slow down, or change lanes when necessary.

6. Don’t Use Phones While Driving

Texting, making calls, or browsing while driving is a major distraction. Even hands-free calls reduce your focus. According to FRSC, distracted driving has caused a sharp increase in fatal accidents in urban centers like Lagos and Abuja.

If you must use your phone, park in a safe spot first.

7. Use Seatbelts and Helmets

Seatbelts reduce the risk of death in a crash by 40–50%, according to the World Health Organization. Yet many Nigerian drivers and passengers still ignore them. Similarly, motorcyclists often ride without helmets, despite the proven protection they provide.

Tip: Always buckle up, whether you are the driver, front passenger, or backseat passenger.

8. Adjust to Road and Weather Conditions

Nigeria’s diverse weather from heavy rain in the south to dusty harmattan in the north makes driving conditions unpredictable.

• During rain: reduce speed, use headlights, and avoid flooded roads.
• During harmattan: keep headlights on and maintain longer following distances due to poor visibility.

Bad roads also demand extra caution. Slow down at potholes, bridges, or uneven surfaces.

9. Never Drive When Fatigued

Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Fatigue slows reaction time and increases the risk of veering off the road. On long journeys, take breaks every 2–3 hours. If you feel sleepy, pull over and rest.

10. Respect Pedestrians and Other Road Users

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable on Nigerian roads, yet they are often ignored. Always yield at pedestrian crossings, avoid blocking walkways, and respect right-of-way laws. Similarly, share the road with motorcyclists, tricycles, and cyclists. Road safety is about cooperation, not competition.

11. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Accidents, breakdowns, or roadblocks can happen unexpectedly. Always carry:

• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Caution triangle
• Spare tire and jack
• Torchlight
• Small cash for emergencies

Preparedness can save lives before professional help arrives.

12. Educate Your Passengers

Drivers are often blamed for accidents, but passengers also play a role. Encourage them to:

• Wear seatbelts
• Avoid distracting the driver
• Speak up if the driver is overspeeding or driving recklessly

Building a culture of road safety requires everyone’s involvement.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s roads remain among the most dangerous in the world, but that reality can change if drivers adopt a culture of safety. From obeying speed limits to carrying essential documents, these road safety tips are not optional, they are lifesaving practices.

The FRSC’s motto says it best: “Safety is not negotiable.” Every journey should end with safe arrival. Drive responsibly, protect lives, and make our roads safer for all.

The Alarming Data on Speed Violations

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that 18,386 road crashes between 2020–2022 were attributed to speed violations: 5,472 in 2020, 6,336 in 2021, and 6,578 in 2022 . In one year 2022, 36% of all crashes were due to speeding, followed by loss of control, overtaking, and dangerous driving .

Also Read: Nigeria’s 10 Deadliest Roads in 2025: FRSC Data & Community Reports

Nigeria’s Highway Nightmare: When the Roads Fail Too

Take the Abuja–Kaduna Highway, a vital corridor for commerce, fraught with kidnappings, road abandonment, and frequent crashes . Similarly, the Lagos–Badagry Expressway has become a horror story: traders avoid it, businesses suffer, and drivers pay more to navigate the craters . In Ekiti State, roads like Igede–Aramoko–Lagos feel impassable, forcing detours and ballooning maintenance costs .

Why the Speed + Pothole Combo Is So Fatal

• High-speed crashes on bad surfaces: Overspeeding leaves no room for evasive action, drivers hit potholes, lose control, and crash.
• Vehicle damage and higher maintenance: Frequent suspension and tire damage, especially costly for commercial drivers.
• Spiral of delays and danger: Slow-moving traffic on bad roads leads impatient drivers to risky overtaking or speeding escalating dangers.

The FRSC’s Response & Gaps

The Federal Road Safety Corps has sounded alarms: speed remains the leading crash cause . Though speed limiting devices have been mandated, enforcement has gaps: in early 2022 alone, over 1,290 commercial vehicles were found without them in Lagos . Enforcement and driver education remain weak.

What Must Change: RoadKing’s Recommendations

RoadKing Verdict

Nigeria’s road deaths are preventable. Speeding combined with neglected roads is a lethal calculus but not irreversible. It’s time authorities enforced regulations, refocused infrastructure energy, and launched behavioural change campaigns. Let’s make our roads safe, not a replay of disaster loops.