Traffic Regulations

Meaning of Traffic Regulations:

Traffic regulations are rules that guide and direct the movement of vehicles and other road users along the roads or streets. They are laws that concern how motorists and other road users should move on the road and what may or may not do while using the road.

Who are the Road Users?

Road users are motorists, pedestrians, children, hawkers, cyclists, passengers and animals. Traffic Regulations for the Pedestrians: first, pedestrians are persons who are walking on the road, especially in an area also used by vehicles. The traffic regulations for pedestrians include;

1) The pedestrian should walk on the pavement or foot path where provided.

2) Should walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic where footpaths are not provided.

3) Wear white or reflective materials while working in the dark so that you can be seen.

4) Do your traffic drills while crossing the road, which is to look left, right and left again when the road is clear, walk directly and quickly being careful not to run to avoid tripping over.

5) Use pedestrian crossing or Zebra crossing.

6) Do not cross the road between or in front of parked vehicles, because the driver may not see you.

7) Stay off the road if you hear the siren or see the flashing of lights.

Traffic Regulations for Motorists

1) A motorist must obey all road signs and traffic light signals.

2) Must drive any vehicle with a valid driver’s license and other permit required by law.

3) Always fasten seat belt while driving because it helps to prevent severe injuries in case of accident.

4) Should not drink and drive.

5) Must not use GSM phone while driving.

6) Should not overload vehicles with goods or passengers.

7) Use your headlamp when the weather is not clear.

8) Should not obstruct or assault a Road Marshal in the performance of his duty.

9) Do not get too close to the vehicle in front of you, always keep a distance.

10) Must obey traffic wardens and any other official controlling the traffic.

Traffic Signs

Traffic signs are road signs and symbols, signals and markings that are seen on the roads which give information, direction and warnings to drivers and other road users on how to use the road to ensure smooth flow of traffic. Shapes and colors of road signs tell the type sign. E.g.

1) Regulatory or Prohibitive Signs: these signs are circular in shapes and of two types. They are with red and yellow and they tell what we ought to do.

2) Mandatory Signs: they are those with blue circle but without red borders, they give positive information like; diversion, one way, pedestrian track, 2-way lane ahead, etc.

3) Informative signs: these are usually rectangular in shape and provided guidance information. E.g. ‘Y’ junction, children crossing, road work, dangerous double lane, etc.

4) Traffic Lights: this is found in road junctions. It has three colors- Red color- means do not cross or go, Yellow-means get ready to move across, Green means go or move.

5) Vehicle lights: there are different types of vehicle lights include; Amber lights- hazard lights used by hazardous vehicles, Blue lights- used by volunteer fire fighters. Green Lights, White/Red used by emergency vehicles.

Agencies That Manage and Enforce Traffic Rules

1) Traffic Warden.

2) Federal Highway Police Patrol (now called Safer Highways)

3) Mobile Court.

4) Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

5) Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO)

6) Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), etc.

Reasons for Obeying Traffic Regulations

1) To check over speeding.

2) To reduce rad accidents.

3) It checks the driver’s excesses.

4) To reduce traffic jam.

5) To enhance smooth flow of vehicles.

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