AUTOCARE WITH DAMILARE: Safe driving through the harmattan period

 Safe driving through the harmattan period



It’s that time of year when harmattan prevails. In some areas in Nigeria this can cause dense fog and make visibility near zero, so how do we drive safely in this type of condition. Listed below are a few tips to tackle this challenge:



​Rules for Road Use


Driver's Protection: 


The driver of a vehicle has only the protection guaranteed by his STRICT obedience to traffic rules.


The best protection inside the vehicle is the use of the seat belt


Always fasten your seatbelt and ensure that everyone in your vehicle belts up. S.10(4)(ee), FRSC Act, 2007 



Alcoholic Drinks and Drugs 


Never drive after consuming alcoholic drinks or while under the influence of drugs


Maximum blood alcohol level for drivers is 0.5gms per litre or 0.05% of blood alcohol (BAC)


Alcohol affects your vision, judgement, reduces coordination, and slows down reaction


Reduce driving stability even when taken below the legal limit. "DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE". S.10(4)(K), FRSC Act, 2007



​Long distance driving


Driving for long distances tend to make you sleepy. To prevent this, ensure there is plenty of fresh air in your vehicle. 


Stop in a convenient place, rest and then walk around to let blood circulate and feed your brain adequately.


Take a break of 15 minutes after every four (4) hours of driving.


Do not rely on stay-awake drugs like coffee, kola nuts, and even chewing sticks.


Have co-driver for any journey exceeding 10 hours. 


Avoid fatigue


Fatigue is a deadly, yet silent killer that often goes unnoticed.


Drivers tend to overestimate their capabilities and thus, do not know when to act on their tiredness.


Do not drive if you are unwell, exhausted or tired from over-work, as ability to drive and coordinate becomes difficult when under stress, be it emotional or physical. 


Passenger's Protection/Responsibilities of Drivers 


Drivers hold not only their lives but also that of passengers in their hands. 


Comprehensive insurance policy offers cover both the vehicle and passengers in the event of injuries or death occurring from road crashes.


Vehicle owners are therefore required by Road Transportation Safety Standardization Scheme (RTSSS) to ensure that their vehicles are properly insured.


Drivers are to ensure that passengers enter and disembark at officially designated places where provided.


Drivers are not to overload their vehicles with goods or passengers. Passengers stand very high risk of severe injury or death in overloaded vehicles. 


Vehicle protection


Keep your vehicle in good working condition, payng particular attention to lights, brakes, steering mechanism, tyres and tyre pressure, direction indicators and wipers.


Windscreens and windows should be clean and clear of obstructing materials and ornaments. S.10(4)(w), FRSC Act, 2007 

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