Highlighting the Salient Safety Issues in the National Road Traffic Regulation 2012

Abstract

Land transportation is an integral part of modern day life. It has bridged spatial activities, enhanced commerce and general developments across large areas of society. However, it has also resulted in series of untoward consequences that have negatively affected families as a result of different fatalities. It is obvious that the regulating authorities do not implement the provisions of the law especially as it relates to the periodic certification and recertification of commercial transport drivers and their conductors. It is also obvious that the will to confront security personnel/corporate security vehicles using by the enforcement agencies that grossly violate the provisions of the law is lacking. The law is silent on safety issues such as tire life and conditions, road markings or dressing and geometric design features of the roadways that influence driving. Therefore, the need to institute measures to regulate/control operations, use and behavior on public roads by pedestrians, drivers and other vehicle users became apparent in Nigeria. The 2012 National Road Traffic Regulation was therefore prepared to guide all public road users in relation to their conduct and use of road infrastructure. The complete disregard by the public and enforcement agencies of the regulation has, therefore, necessitated highlighting of some salient safety issues in the regulation which will lead to a better use of our roads and highways when adhered to. These ranges from the registration of vehicles to the processes of the issuance of drivers licenses, parking speed and other personal conducts that could jeopardize the safety of persons and property of potential road users.