Traffic rules vary from country to country, but certain guidelines are generally accepted across board. Whether you are a daily commuter or an occasional road user, understanding these rules helps reduce the chances of collisions and ensures order on the road. This article provides a detailed breakdown of ten widely accepted traffic rules and why each one matters. Before we get into the list, it’s worth noting how basic negligence behind the wheel, like using your phone while driving, often leads to more severe issues than people expect.
1. Obey Traffic Signals and Road Signs
Traffic lights and road signs are essential tools for managing vehicle flow and minimising confusion. A red light means stop. A green light means go. Yield signs require you to slow down and give the right of way. Speed limit signs help maintain safe speeds based on the area and road type. Disregarding these instructions increases your risk of causing accidents or receiving fines. Countries such as the United States, the UK, and India all mandate adherence to signals, as outlined in the California DMV handbook.
In Nigeria, failing to obey traffic signals can also result in getting pulled over by officials or facing a fine from LASTMA or FRSC.
2. Always Wear a Seat Belt
Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest ways to reduce injury in a crash. This rule applies to both drivers and passengers. In some jurisdictions, it is considered a primary offence, meaning officers can stop a vehicle solely for that violation. According to Progressive’s safety guidelines, wearing seat belts reduces the risk of death by nearly half during collisions.
Seat belt laws typically extend to all rows of seating, not just the front seats. In Nigeria, law enforcement agencies are known to penalise drivers and passengers caught without seat belts, especially in busy cities like Abuja or Lagos. While some drivers ignore it on short trips, seat belts should be used every time the car is in motion. A deeper dive into issues of driver safety is available in our article on what poor maintenance habits say about Nigerian car culture.
3. Do Not Drive Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances impairs judgment and slows reaction time. Legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limits vary. In the United States and UK, the common threshold is 0.08 percent, while in India it is 0.03 percent. Exceeding the legal limit can result in heavy fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment.
Beyond the legal implications, impaired driving puts both the driver and others on the road in danger. Most countries have strict laws and dedicated checkpoints to catch offenders. In Nigeria, the FRSC has been known to conduct spot-checks, especially on holidays and weekends. If you are unsure about the effects of poor vehicle operation and maintenance, check out this guide on how to get the most from your vehicle’s engine.
4. Stick to Speed Limits
Speed limits are not suggestions. They are legally enforced limits that vary based on the type of road and area. In residential areas, limits are usually lower to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Highways and expressways allow faster speeds due to fewer obstructions and controlled access.
In Nigeria, overspeeding is a major cause of accidents, especially along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The Federal Road Safety Corps regularly reminds motorists to adhere to posted speed limits, yet many drivers continue to ignore them. Following the posted limit improves vehicle control and gives you more time to react in emergencies. The California DMV explains how road types influence maximum speeds, offering examples applicable to both urban and rural contexts.
5. Yield to Pedestrians
Pedestrian crossings exist for a reason. Whether it’s a zebra crossing, school zone, or urban street corner, pedestrians generally have the right of way. Failing to yield can lead to severe legal consequences, especially if injuries occur.
In Lagos, pedestrian footbridges are often ignored by both walkers and drivers, leading to unnecessary risk. Drivers should always be prepared to stop when approaching intersections or areas where pedestrian traffic is common. It’s not just a matter of legality; it’s a shared responsibility.
6. Use Your Turn Signals
Turn signals are communication tools. Whether you are changing lanes or making a turn, signalling gives other road users time to anticipate your movement. In some countries, failure to use signals can lead to citations or fines.
In Nigeria, many accidents occur due to drivers changing lanes without indicating. Buses, in particular, are often guilty of abrupt stops and turns without warning. This behaviour not only puts them at risk but also endangers surrounding vehicles. Proper signalling ensures a smooth traffic flow and reduces the chances of rear-end collisions. Read about common safety problems like this in our article on accidents caused by poor vehicle care and decision-making.
7. Stop for School Buses
If a school bus has flashing red lights or extends a stop sign, all vehicles on both sides of the road must stop. This rule is crucial for the safety of children getting on or off the bus. In many countries, there are specific penalties for not stopping, and some jurisdictions use traffic cameras to catch violators.
In Nigeria, this rule is not yet fully enforced, but awareness is growing, especially in private estates and school zones. If you see a child attempting to cross the road, slow down and come to a complete stop. This rule is based on the idea that children are less aware of road dangers and need additional protection.
8. Avoid Using Mobile Phones While Driving
Using a phone while driving reduces reaction time more than being legally drunk, according to several road safety studies. Texting, in particular, takes your eyes off the road for long stretches. Many countries ban handheld mobile use while driving. Some allow hands-free devices, but even those can be distracting.
Nigeria’s Mobile Courts in Lagos and other major cities regularly fine drivers found using their phones. Offenders may have their vehicles impounded or licences suspended. If you need to make a call or check directions, pull over safely first. Learn more about how to protect your ride and yourself in this post on the most commonly stolen car parts and how to guard them.
9. Drive on the Correct Side of the Road
This rule depends entirely on the country. In the United States and Nigeria, drivers stay on the right side. In the United Kingdom, Japan, and India, they drive on the left. Ignoring this rule leads to head-on collisions, especially on two-lane roads.
Foreign visitors are most at risk of forgetting this, especially when driving rental cars. Clear road markings and directional signs help guide drivers, but it’s essential to stay alert, especially at night or on unfamiliar roads.
10. Give Way to Emergency Vehicles
Ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles with sirens and flashing lights must be given priority. Drivers are required to pull over and make way as soon as it is safe. Failure to comply can lead to steep penalties.
In some parts of Nigeria, this rule is often ignored, especially during traffic congestion. Delays in allowing emergency vehicles through can cost lives. Drivers should check their mirrors frequently and stay aware of their surroundings. Making way for emergency services is not only lawful but humane.
Conclusion
Traffic rules are the foundation of road safety. These ten are some of the most universal, with each serving a specific role in protecting drivers, pedestrians, and infrastructure. While specifics such as speed limits and lane rules may vary, the principles remain consistent.
If you’re new to driving or need a refresher, check the local road safety handbook and spend time understanding essential documents every Nigerian car owner should have. Driving safely is not just about avoiding tickets. It ensures that everyone using the road—including you—gets to their destination without unnecessary risk.
