What Passengers Should Do When Drivers Overtake Recklessly

As road crashes linked to reckless overtaking continue to rise across Nigerian highways, safety experts are drawing attention not only to drivers, but also to passengers, many of whom find themselves helplessly seated in vehicles driven dangerously.

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According to road safety authorities, passengers are not entirely powerless when a driver engages in reckless overtaking.

Knowing when and how to act can make the difference between arriving safely and becoming another statistic.

Data from traffic agencies show that many fatal crashes occur in commercial buses and private vehicles where passengers notice danger but remain silent.

Experts say this silence often stems from fear of confrontation, intimidation by drivers, or the belief that speaking up may worsen the situation.

However, road safety specialists stress that early, calm intervention can significantly reduce risk.

Steps Passengers Should Take

1. Speak Up Calmly and Early

If a driver begins overtaking dangerously, passengers are advised to speak up immediately but respectfully.

Simple statements like “Please slow down,” or “This road is dangerous” can alert the driver without provoking aggression.

Avoid shouting, insults, or panic-driven reactions that could distract the driver further.

2. Appeal to Safety, Not Authority

Instead of threatening the driver with law enforcement or fines, passengers should focus on safety concerns. Experts say drivers respond better when reminded of lives at stake, including their own.

For example:

“We all want to arrive safely” or “There are children on this bus.”

3. Encourage the Driver to Reduce Speed

Reckless overtaking often goes hand-in-hand with speeding. Passengers should request slower speeds, especially on narrow roads, bends, bridges, or busy highways.

4. Use Collective Voice in Commercial Vehicles

In buses and shared vehicles, multiple passengers speaking together calmly is more effective than one person confronting the driver alone. Collective concern often forces drivers to reassess their behaviour.

5. Exit the Vehicle if It’s Unsafe

If reckless driving continues despite warnings, passengers are advised to alight safely at the nearest secure location, such as a motor park, filling station, or populated area.

Road safety experts emphasise that no journey is worth risking your life.

6. Report Dangerous Drivers

Passengers can report reckless driving to transport unions, park managers, or traffic agencies like the FRSC. While reporting may not always be immediate, it helps identify repeat offenders and improve enforcement.

Legal and Safety Perspective

While drivers bear the primary responsibility for vehicle control, passengers have a moral responsibility to avoid enabling dangerous behaviour. Silence, experts warn, can indirectly encourage reckless driving.

Conclusion

Road safety is a shared responsibility. Passengers who speak up, act early, and prioritise safety can help prevent deadly crashes caused by reckless overtaking. Awareness, courage, and calm communication remain powerful tools in saving lives on Nigerian roads.