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Ways of Reducing Accidents

Accidents are unplanned events that disrupt a process, activity, or exercise’s ability to work properly. Road accidents are unanticipated incidents that happen on the road and are caused by violating traffic laws. It could cause traffic jams, automobile damage, bruising, or even the victim’s death.

The following methods may be used to lower the number of accidents on the roadways.

1. Roads should not be used by vehicles that are not in excellent functioning order.

2. Drivers who are affected by drugs or alcohol shouldn’t operate a vehicle.

3. Drivers should pay close attention to and respect traffic laws.

4. Road signs need to be put up in prominent places where people may see them.

5. Regular awareness campaigns should be run to educate drivers on how to utilise the roads safely.

6. Road traffic law enforcement organisations should have the necessary tools to do their jobs.

7. Roads need to be maintained and repaired regularly.

8. Violations of the legislation governing traffic should be severely punished.

Federal Road Safety (FRSC)

To maintain order and safety on Nigerian roadways, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) was founded in 1988. This commission has made a significant contribution to lowering the number of traffic accidents in Nigeria throughout the years.

Functions Of FRSC

1. Reducing or preventing traffic accidents.

2. Eliminating obstacles on all roadways

3. Spreading awareness among drivers, motorists, and other members of the public in general on how to utilise the roadways safely.

4. Creating and designing the driver’s licence that different kinds of vehicle operators will utilise.

5. Periodically determining the conditions that a driver’s licence applicant must meet.

6. Creating and designing licence plates for vehicles

7. The uniformity of highway traffic laws.

8. Reducing or preventing traffic accidents.

9. Eliminating obstacles from any roadway area.

10. Spreading awareness about safe highway use among drivers, motorists, and other members of the public at large.

11. Providing accident victims with quick treatment and attention.

12. Researching the causes of car accidents, finding ways to avoid them, and using the findings of such studies.

13. Setting and enforcing speed limits for all types of vehicles and roadways, as well as regulating the usage of speed-limiting equipment

14. Collaborating with organisations, agencies, or teams to promote highway safety or avoid accidents.

15. Creating rules to carry out any of the duties entrusted to the Corps by or according to this Act.

17. Providing free roadside and mobile clinics to treat accident victims. 16. Regulating the use of sirens, flashers, and beacon lights on vehicles other than ambulances and vehicles belonging to the Nigerian Police, Fire Service, and other paramilitary organisations.

18. Limiting drivers’ usage of mobile devices.

19. Controlling the usage of safety equipment like seat belts.

20. Controlling motorcycle traffic on public roads.

21. Maintaining the three-year driver’s licence validity term, which is subject to renewal at the end of the time.

Members of the Commission have the authority to detain and prosecute anyone while performing these duties and have a reasonable suspicion that they have committed any traffic infraction.

Roles of Individuals and Government in Maintaining Traffic Regulation

1. Drivers should abstain from drinking before and while using a motor vehicle.

2. Alertness: In order to avoid accidents, pedestrians crossing roadways should exercise alertness.

3. Avoid using a hands-free or earpiece: Road users are obliged to avoid using any kind of hand-free or earphone since they can find it difficult to focus and hear well.

4. Seat belt use: Drivers are required to wear seat belts at all times, and passengers are encouraged to do the same when available.

5. Noise pollution: It is required of all road users to practise noise pollution prevention. Automobile drivers shouldn’t use their horns excessively to annoy or upset others.

6. Parking that blocks traffic: Everyone using the road should avoid parking in a way that blocks traffic for other users of the road.

7. Making or receiving calls while driving should be avoided since it might induce distraction and result in an accident.

8. Use of trafficators: To minimise accidents, drivers should use trafficators before entering or exiting the road to signal and make other drivers know that they are approaching.

9. Speed limit: Everyone using the road should avoid cramming in order to prevent obstructing other drivers and creating heavy traffic.

10. Bridges and zebra crossings: Where available, pedestrian bridges and zebra crossings should be used by pedestrians.

Maintaining Traffic Regulations

1. The government makes sure that traffic control devices are placed where they may be seen by other road users.
2.  Regular public education on how to utilise the roads and traffic signs should be provided to all members of society, but particularly to drivers.
3. The government should pass legislation to control traffic and make sure that violators must face the consequences of their actions.
4. In order for regulatory agency employees to be successful and efficient, due care should be taken with their training and compensation.
5.  Jingles on radio and television warn drivers about traffic laws, excessive speeding, etc.

The Functions of the Individual and the State in the Maintenance of Traffic Regulations

Individual

1. Following the laws and regulations of the road.

2. Keep other drivers’ and pedestrians’ safety in mind.

3. Follow traffic signs.

4. Comply with traffic regulations and agencies.

5. During times of unrest, people shouldn’t harm roads or road signs.

6. Vendors should stay off of highways and major thoroughfares.

7. Individuals may also contribute to traffic control, particularly during times of heavy traffic.

Government

Some organisations have been formed at the federal and state levels to enforce traffic regulations on Nigerian roads as part of government efforts to ensure the execution of traffic rules in Nigeria. These organisations include the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Transport Department of the Nigerian Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and others.

The Federal Road Safety Commission makes sure that there are no obstructions on the roadways and informs the public on how to utilise the roads safely. Additionally, they set and enforce speed restrictions and promptly assist those injured in car accidents.

Vehicles are inspected by the VIO to make sure they are safe for the road.

Road traffic is regulated by the police and traffic wardens, which helps to ease congestion. Traffic laws are also enforced by the police.

Lagos State’s traffic is controlled by LASTMA.

Other roles of government include:

1. road construction with appropriate road signs.

2. Ensure that traffic lights are installed in key areas.

3. Financial support for traffic organisations to ensure top performance.

4. Punishment for driving offences.

5. The adoption of legislation to address new traffic issues.

6. A effort to educate people about traffic laws and signage.