Traffic Regulations And Methods Of Reducing Accidents SS2 Civic Education Lesson Note

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Traffic regulations are the various laws, regulations and signs guiding the road users on the proper and effective use of roads. The road users include motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and passengers.

RULES ON THE USE OF ROADS

PEDESTRIANS

The pedestrians refer to persons on foot who need to either walk beside the road, cross the road or engage with other road users.

Duties Of Pedestrians

1. Always walk on the side of the road.
2. Ensure you are walking to face oncoming traffic.
3. If you are walking in the dark, wear bright or reflective clothing such as white, green so that you will be easily seen by motorists.
4. Look left and right of the road and left again before crossing the road.
5. Use pedestrian bridges and zebra crossings where they are available.
6. Observe road signs.
7. Respect the rights of other road users.

CYCLISTS

Cyclists refers to road users who engage in the use of the road by riding either in motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, etc.

Duties Of Cyclists

1. If you are riding a cycle, ensure it is in good condition; check the brakes, tyres, lamps and rear reflectors.
2. Take a quick look behind you before starting off and if you wish to turn, hold out your arm sideways, showing the direction you wish to turn to.
3. Do not ride too close to moving vehicles.
4. Do not wear flowing garments to ride a motorcycle or a bicycle.
5. Ensure you put on a helmet.
6. Do not carry more than one passenger on your motorcycle.
7. Do not carry loads that are too heavy in order to ensure balance.
8. Respect road signs.
9. Do not drink and ride.
10. Respect the rights of other road users.
11. Obey traffic warders. 

MOTORISTS

This comprises vehicle users (drivers). It includes car drivers, bus drivers, trailer drivers, truck drivers, etc.

Duties Of Motorists

1. Obtain a valid drivers’ license before you drive any vehicle.
2. Every morning before driving your car out, check the condition of the car and ensure it is in good state.
3.  Obey speed limits and traffic lights.
4. Do not drink and drive.
5. Do not overload your vehicle.
6. Do not drive a vehicle with a damaged windscreen.
7. Always use your seat belt while driving.
8. Do not engage in destructive activity while driving.
9. Obey traffic rules and regulations as well as road signals.
10. Respect the rights of other road users.

WAYS OF REDUCING ACCIDENTS

Accidents are sudden occurrences that distort the proper functioning of a procedure, event or exercise. Road accidents are unexpected occurrences on the road that come from failure to adhere to traffic regulation. It could lead to traffic congestion, car damages, bruises or death of the victim.

The rate of accidents on the roads can be reduced through the following ways:

1. Vehicles that are not in good working condition should not be allowed to ply the roads.
2. Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol should not drive.
3. Traffic rules should be well observed and obeyed.
4. Road signs should be displayed at strategic locations where they can be seen.
5. Enlightenment campaigns should be carried out regularly to educate road users on the best use of roads.
6. Law enforcement agencies on the use of roads should be well equipped to carry out their duties.
7. There should be regular repairs and maintenance of roads.
8. There should be strict punishment of traffic law offenders.

FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION (FRSC)

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) was established in 1988 to ensure safety and sanity in Nigerian roads. Over the years this commission has contributed immensely to the reduction of road accidents in Nigeria.

Functions Of Frsc

1. To ensure the safety of road users in Nigerian roads.
2. To maintain and enforce traffic regulations in Nigeria.
3. To assist to ascertain the road worthiness of vehicles.
4. Issuance of drivers’ license to qualified persons.
5. Research into the causes of accidents and how to prevent reoccurrence.
6. Arrest and prosecution of traffic laws offenders.
7.  Assistance in the rescue of accident victims on the roads.
8. Education and enlightenment of the public on the best use of roads.
9. To ensure that roads are traffic free for users.
10. To work with other related agencies for effective use of roads.

THE ROLES OF INDIVIDUALS AND GOVERNMENT IN MAINTAINING TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

1. Individual
2. Obeying traffic rules and regulations.
3. Consider other road users and put their safety in mind.
4. Obey road signs.
5. Obey traffic authorities and agencies.
6. People should not destroy roads  or road signs in periods of violence.
7. Traders should avoid selling along roads and expressways.
8.  Individuals can also help in controlling traffic especially during periods of traffic congestion.

Government

As part of government efforts to ensure effective implementation of traffic regulations in Nigeria, some agencies have been established both at the federal and state levels to ensure traffic regulations in Nigerian roads.  Some of these agencies are Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), the Transport Department of the Nigerian Police,  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), etc.

The Federal Road Safety Commission ensures that the highways are free of obstruction and they educate the public on the proper use of roads.  They also determine and enforce speed limits and provide prompt attention to road accident victims.

The VIO inspects vehicles to ensure that they are road worthy. 

The police and traffic wardens help to control traffic on roads in order to reduce congestion.  The police also enforce traffic regulations.

LASTMA manages traffic in Lagos State.

Other roles of government include:

1. Construction of roads with relevant road signs.
2. Ensure traffic lights are erected at strategic locations.
3. Funding of traffic agencies for optimum performance.
4. Punishment of traffic offenders.
5. Enactment of laws to cater for emerging traffic challenges.
6. Enlightenment campaign on traffic regulations and signs.