Official Convoys and Highway Safety: A Growing Concern

The tragic death of 4 students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna and one driver in a collision with a vehicle associated with the convoy of Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on the Minna-Bida highway is yet another heartbreaking example of our country’s ongoing problem. Young lives have been lost due to the reckless speed associated with political convoys in Nigeria.

While condolences and a promise to investigate may be given, it does nothing to help the families of those who have died. It just needs to be recognised that our roads should not be treated like a private thoroughfare for government officials.

Culture of Impunity

In Nigeria, executive convoys are often seen as a way to show off. They often involve loud sirens, armed escorts and intimidating driving to push other drivers out the way. This can include moving onto small lanes or ditches.

This sends a bad message that their convenience is more important than the safety and dignity of the people they serve. It promotes a culture of lawlessness in the public sector.

Unacceptable Hypocrisy

It is very concerning that when ambulances are stuck in traffic with critically ill patients, they are often ignored as there is no respect for their sirens. However, when a government convoy arrives, a large amount of power is exerted to get them out of the way.

If our society is using their power to make politicians move quickly through traffic, yet leave emergency patients stuck in traffic then something is seriously wrong. Our public officials should be there to protect us, not place us in unnecessary danger.

Negative Consequences

Many civilians have been injured or killed due to risky overtaking or pushing vehicles out of the way by official vehicles. Those within the convoy such as drivers, security, aides, journalists and support staff have also died or been seriously injured due to the high speeds.

When a convoy puts members of the public and those within it in danger, it can no longer be seen as a security measure. It is a danger to the public.

No Excuses

This culture exists due to many believing that because they are in an official position they do not need to follow road safety measures. While Section 308 in the 1999 constitution gives certain protections to specific officials in their executive position, this does not mean they can drive recklessly. There is no excuse for drivers, escorts or convoys to not be held accountable for breaking traffic laws.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, convoy drivers must follow speed limits, keep a safe distance, avoid aggressive driving and chasing others off the road. Convoy drivers must follow traffic laws. FRSC guidelines also say that convoys must follow speed limits depending on what type of vehicle they are. For example, cars must not exceed 80kmh on highways and 100kmh on expressways.

What Needs To Change:

The FRSC and Nigeria Police Force should ensure official convoys follow speed limits, stay in their lanes and follow traffic laws.

Those who cause fatal or serious traffic offences should be investigated and prosecuted quickly regardless of them working in government.

State governments should implement and publish clear guidelines on how to keep convoys safe. This should include speed limits, convoy size, behaviour of escorts and use of sirens.

Governments should take responsibility for any harm caused by their official vehicles and those in charge of the convoys causing civilian deaths should be held appropriately accountable.

Emergency vehicles (particularly ambulances) should be prioritised.

Nigerian citizens should not be seen as collateral damage. The state must realise that political movement is not more important than people’s lives and start holding those in power to the same road safety standards.

Source:leadership.ng

Kindly follow via our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDjAJCBVJlDAwVqqR1v