Road Safety
I recently met Kachi Nze (not real name). He was one of the numerous candidates who applied to be employed as drivers by one of the big establishments in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Kachi was not alone. With him were over a hundred applicants with very rich resumes.
My assignment was to separate the wheat from the chaff. At first, I took the assignment to be a simple task that would require just checking their credentials based on the brief given by the organisation. Interestingly, every applicant came prepared with the necessary documents as specified by the employer.
I must confess that I was impressed with all, not just because of the credentials they flaunted but also by the possession of a valid driver’s license and their various years of driving experience. This sudden discovery prompted me to shift my gear from one to a higher one to ascertain not just paper competence, but also the real deal. It was in the course of my brief chat with each that their literacy was short when it came to their understanding of defensive driving which is why it is my focus today.
Before we dwell on the real deal, we need to note that road transportation is an essential part of modern life. It connects people, businesses and communities. In our clime, it is central in daily life. Yet every journey on the road carries some degree of risk. Many road traffic crashes are not simply “accidents”; they are often the result of preventable human errors such as speeding, dangerous overtaking, distraction, fatigue, drink-driving, poor vehicle maintenance and failure to anticipate the actions of other road users. This is where defensive driving becomes critical.
Defensive driving is a proactive approach to driving that requires motorists to anticipate hazards, recognise dangerous situations early and take appropriate action to prevent crashes. It goes beyond knowing how to operate a vehicle. A defensive driver understands that other road users may make mistakes and therefore drives in a manner that provides sufficient time and space to respond to unexpected situations.
The ABC of defensive driving can provide a simple framework for developing safer driving behavior starting with the first letter A which refers to the first principle of defensive driving which is anticipation. A defensive driver does not merely react to what is happening; he or she constantly looks ahead and tries to predict what could happen next.
For example, a driver approaching a busy junction should anticipate that a pedestrian may suddenly cross the road, a motorcycle may emerge from a blind spot, or another vehicle may fail to obey a traffic signal. Similarly, when approaching a parked vehicle, the driver should consider the possibility that someone may open its door or a pedestrian may step into the roadway.
Anticipation therefore requires the driver to scan the road continuously. Drivers should look well beyond the vehicle immediately in front of them and observe traffic signs, road conditions, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, intersections and potential obstructions.
A good defensive driver therefore asks the following questions; “What could go wrong here? What can I do now to prevent it?
Anticipation also means adjusting driving behavior to the weather and road conditions. They include rain, fog, darkness, potholes, poor visibility and slippery which increases risk and demand greater caution.
Letter B is the second principle which refers to being prepared. A driver cannot control everything that happens on the road, but can control his or her own preparedness. Preparation begins before the vehicle moves. The driver should ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy, tires are properly inflated, brakes are functioning, lights and indicators work correctly, mirrors are properly adjusted and seat belts are fastened. A few minutes of preparation can prevent serious consequences later.
Being prepared also means knowing the route and understanding the road environment. A driver who is unfamiliar with an area should avoid last-minute maneuvers caused by uncertainty about directions. Navigation devices which some drivers have used as excuse to indulge in distracted driving should be set before driving whenever possible rather than becoming a source of distraction while the vehicle is moving.
Mental preparation is equally important. A driver who is angry, excessively tired, emotionally distressed or under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not properly prepared to drive safely. A defensive driver also maintains a safe following distance. The space between vehicles is a safety cushion. If the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes, sufficient distance gives the driver time to respond without resorting to emergency manoeuvres.
The last is letter C which is the third principle and refers to control. Defensive driving requires the driver to remain in control of the vehicle, speed, emotions and decisions. Speed control is particularly important. Excessive speed reduces reaction time, increases stopping distance and makes crashes more severe when they occur. A responsible driver does not simply ask: What is the speed limit? He also ask ; is this speed safe for the current conditions?” For example, driving at the maximum permitted speed on a wet or poorly illuminated road may still be unsafe. Defensive drivers adjust their speed to traffic, weather, visibility, road surface and surrounding hazards.
Control also means avoiding sudden and unnecessary maneuvers. Overtaking should only be attempted when it is legal, necessary and safe. A driver should never overtake simply because another motorist is driving slowly. Emotional control is another important component. Road rage, impatience and competition have no place behind the steering wheel. A driver who becomes angry may make irrational decisions, accelerate aggressively, tailgate another vehicle or engage in dangerous overtaking.
So,why is the ABC approach important? The provides a practical foundation for safer driving. However, defensive driving involves other important habits. Drivers must maintain adequate observation and avoid distractions. Mobile phones, texting, eating, excessive conversation and other activities that divert attention from the road can have fatal consequences.
Drivers should also respect vulnerable road users. Pedestrians, children, cyclists, motorcyclists, older people and persons with disabilities may require additional time and space. A defensive driver does not assume that every pedestrian will behave predictably or that every cyclist will be visible.
Another important principle is visibility. Drivers should ensure that they can see others and that others can see them. Proper use of headlights, indicators and mirrors helps communicate intentions and reduces misunderstandings.
Defensive driving also requires respect for traffic regulations. Traffic signs, road markings, speed limits and traffic-control devices are not obstacles to be ignored; they are systems designed to organize road use and reduce conflict among road users.
The ultimate objective of defensive driving is not merely to avoid receiving a traffic ticket. It is to develop a culture in which every journey is approached with responsibility and respect for human life.
A driver’s responsibility extends beyond protecting himself or herself. Every decision behind the wheel can affect passengers, pedestrians, other motorists, families and the wider community. A moment of impatience can produce a lifetime of regret.
For professional drivers in particular, defensive driving should be treated as a core occupational responsibility. Commercial drivers spend long hours on the road and are exposed to fatigue, pressure to meet schedules and difficult traffic conditions. Regular training and continuous reinforcement of defensive-driving principles can help reduce risky behaviour.
Defensive driving is fundamentally about prevention rather than reaction. The driver who anticipates danger, prepares for the unexpected and maintains control is better positioned to prevent a crash.
The ABC approach is simple enough to remember but powerful enough to save lives. It reminds every motorist that safe driving is a continuous process requiring concentration, discipline, patience and respect.
Ultimately, the safest driver is not necessarily the fastest or most skillful driver. The safest driver is the one who understands that arriving alive is more important than arriving first. On every journey, the ABC of defensive driving should therefore become more than a technique—it should become a way of life.