Traffic regulations are driving, or non-driving laws enacted by a government to regulate, control and guide the behaviour or action of road users in order to avoid accidents and have a free flow of traffic. These laws are enforced by the road safety agency of Nigeria – better known as “Federal Road Safety Commission Of Nigeria (FRSCN). 

Rules and Regulations Guiding Road Users 

Some rules and regulations guiding road users, i.e. the traffic rules. Such traffic rules are: 

1. Obeying traffic lights, officials, and road signs. 

2. Avoiding over-speeding. 

3. Being on road without light or faulty lights, without signs or reflector (for larger vehicles), or wrongful use of signals. 

4. Obstructing any section of the road with vehicles or in any other way that may affect free flow of traffic. 

5. Over-taking another vehicle wrongly. 

6. Using a restricted road marked – “no entry”. 

7. Driving a vehicle without a valid learner’s permit, driver’s licence, or any other permit required by law. 

8. Driving a vehicle or a two-, or three-wheel cycle on any road in a negligent manner that will be dangerous to other road users. 

9. Driving a vehicle with “forged” vehicle papers. 

10. Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. 

11. Using a road that’s under construction. 

12. Failing to move to the slow lane to free up traffic flow. 

13. Loading a vehicle above the weight or number of passengers required by law. 

14. Driving a vehicle with damaged/shattered wind screen. 

15. Driving without a spare tyre. 

16. Driving without a fire extinguisher. 

17. Driving with one hand. 

18. Smoking or eating while driving. 

19. Using a mobile phone while driving. 

20. Driving on the opposite lane (One-way).

Roles Of Individuals in Maintaining Traffic Regulations 

Individuals have lots of roles to play in maintaining traffic regulations. Such roles are: 

1. Engaging in defensive driving: This simply means driving to save lives, money, and time – in spite of the condition(s) around the individual and the provocative actions of other driver(s)/road users; he/she recognises hazards but promptly executes the necessary actions required to evade an impending accident. 

2. Individuals need to study all the traffic offences and signs, and obey them judiciously. 

3. Carry out the obligations of a responsible citizen in the event of road traffic crash such as: 

i. Stop when there is crash. 

ii. Check if the person(s) involved is hurt. 

iii. Assist the person(s) to a safe location. 

iv. State the fact of the case if asked by a law enforcement agent. 

v. Report the crash at the nearest at the nearest Police Station or FRSC office, or call their phone lines. 

4. Individuals should not claim right of way, for claiming such right may unfortunately claim lives. 

5. Every driver as an individual should rest for 15 minutes after every 4 hours of driving, and avoid driving more than 10 hours in 24 hours (or a day). 

6. Doctors, Nurses, and health workers should attend to accident victims promptly/immediately as each passing second can be extremely vital to saving lives. 

Roles of Government in Maintaining Traffic Regulations 

Like individuals, the government also has vital roles to play in maintaining traffic regulations. Those roles include: 

1. Setting up an agency like FRSC that would implement traffic regulations. 

2. Enacting traffic laws, regulations, and policies, and also ensuring that these regulations are fully executed; ensuring maximum compliance. 

3. Guarantee the safety of lives and properties of road users. 

4. Installing traffic lights, road sign-posts, and other appropriate traffic strategies. 

5. Paying the road safety agents and officials their salaries on time, so that they will be motivated to make our roads safe by carrying out their duties responsibly. 

6. Providing the needed vehicles to do road safety work and also providing towing vans that would evacuate a broken-down vehicle should the need arise. 

7. Provision of ambulances to road safety agents and granting them speedy access to hospitals which in turn – enables them to provide vital assistance towards victims of road crashes. 

8. Building and managing road infrastructure effectively.

We all have a role to play in ensuring the safety of our roads. Please let’s comply with the laid-out rules and regulations. And to our officials, please do the needful. Thanks for reading. Drive safely.