Traffic Offences

Traffic offences are that offences that infringe on traffic regulations. There are traffic offences that attract between 6 months to 5-years imprisonment depending on the particular one committed by the road user.

Some of the offences are;

1) Reckless and dangerous driving

2) Negligent or dangerous driving.

3) Drunk driving.

4) Motor traffic homicide- killing someone through negligent driving (manslaughter under criminal penal code)

5) Over-speeding.

6) Dangerous overtaking.

7) Failure to obey road signs.

8) Driving without driver’s license, etc.

Roles of individual in maintain

1) People should consider other road users who equally have the right of way.

2) Individuals should walk on pedestrian pathway or pavement where available.

3) Individuals should wear reflective garments while walking in the night.

4) They should not play along the road.

5) Should do traffic drills before crossing the road.

6) Should make use of seat belt as a driver and as passengers for their safety.

Roles of Government in maintaining Traffic Regulations

1) Government must carry out regular maintenance of roads.

2) Traffic officers should always patrol the roads to ensure that road users obey traffic rules.

3) Driver’s licenses should be inspected on regular basis to determine the suitability of its holders.

4) Traffic regulators should avoid corrupt practices in discharging their duties.

Agencies That Enforce Traffic Laws:

THE FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS (FRSC)

The FRSC was established as a paramilitary outfit through the Road Traffic Act CAP 141 of 1990 with the aim of ensuring the safe use of highways in Nigeria.

Functions of the FRSC in Nigeria

1) To enforce and revise traffic laws and regulations.

2) To reduce accidents on or highways.

3) Carrying out research on causes road accident and ways of preventing accidents.

4) To determine and enforce speed limit for different vehicles.

5) Educate the public on the proper use of roads and safety measures.

6) Ensure proper registration of vehicles and issuance of driver’s license.

7) To ensure that the highways are free from obstructions.

THE VEHICLE INSPECTION OFICER (VIO)

The VIO maintains traffic regulations by ensuring that vehicles are road worthy through regular inspection.

THE POLICE- help to enforce traffic regulations by arresting any person who contravenes traffic laws. They also control traffic and rescue accident victims.