Nigerian roads test your patience and awareness every single day. Between potholes that appear overnight, danfo buses swerving without warning, okada riders cutting through gaps, and heavy trucks that dominate the lanes, staying safe requires more than just following traffic rules. Defensive driving means expecting the unexpected and always having an escape plan. Here are the techniques that actually help drivers survive and arrive in one piece, based on what works for thousands of people navigating these conditions daily.
Keep a bigger cushion of space around your car than you think you need. In Lagos or Abuja traffic, most people tailgate to prevent others from cutting in, but that leaves you zero room to react. Aim for at least four seconds of following distance on highways and three seconds in city traffic. That gap gives you time to brake or swerve when the vehicle ahead suddenly stops for a passenger or a goat crosses the road. The extra space also reduces the chance of being rear-ended if you have to brake hard for a pothole.
Anticipate what other road users will do instead of trusting they will follow the rules. Watch the body language of other drivers. If a danfo is slowing near a bus stop, assume it will stop abruptly regardless of indicators. When an okada approaches from the opposite direction in your lane, expect it to keep coming straight. At junctions without working traffic lights, make eye contact with approaching drivers and decide who goes first—never assume the other person will yield. This mindset of predicting bad moves keeps you ahead of surprises.
Scan the road far ahead, not just the car in front. Look 10–15 seconds down the road to spot problems early. Check for pedestrians stepping off curbs, vehicles merging from side streets, or roadworks ahead. In rural areas, watch for animals—cows, goats, and chickens appear without warning. Scanning gives you extra seconds to slow down smoothly instead of slamming brakes at the last moment.
Use your mirrors constantly and check blind spots before any lane change. Many accidents happen because drivers change lanes without seeing the motorcycle or tricycle in the blind spot. Signal early, glance over your shoulder, and only move when the lane is clear. On multi-lane roads, stay in the rightmost lane unless overtaking—middle and left lanes are riskier because vehicles enter and exit from both sides.
Control your speed according to conditions, not the speed limit sign. Speed limits are often ignored or unrealistic on Nigerian roads. Drive slower when visibility is low during harmattan dust, heavy rain, or at night. Reduce speed through markets, school zones, and construction areas. Smooth acceleration and braking prevent sudden moves that confuse other drivers.
Never drive distracted. Phones are the biggest killer. Put your phone on silent and in the glove box. Eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio takes your eyes off the road for seconds that can cause disaster. If you must use the phone, pull over completely.
Stay calm and avoid road rage. Aggressive driving—tailgating, flashing lights, or honking constantly—makes other drivers defensive and unpredictable. Let the angry driver pass. A few seconds lost is better than a crash.
Defensive driving is not about being perfect; it is about staying alive by assuming others might make mistakes. Practice these habits every trip, and the roads become much less stressful. Safe journeys.