That we may know the importance of being good road users who use the road in a manner that ensures safety of our lives and those of other road users.
It has been said that there are more vehicle movers than drivers today. This is because many who are privileged to drive or own cars have never really had a driving training. Many had an informal training, and so are angers to the standard driving practices as stated in the Highway Code. That a driver's license is required before one begins to freely drive on our roads says much out the importance of driving safely. The license is issued as an official permit without endangering lives and property.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF A DRIVER
Driver is one who has been trained, passed the driving test and licensed to drive on the road.
He is trained formally or informally to drive.
Having passed a driving test, he is licensed and possesses a valid driver's license.
He is familiar with the Highway Code of Conduct for drivers and all road users.
He ensures that his vehicle papers are valid.
He ensures regular maintenance of his vehicle for safe driving. This includes good brakes, functional trafficators, brake lights and wipers.
He obeys rules and regulations such as the use of seat belts, avoidance of reckless driving such as wrong over taking, over-speeding and avoidance of making or receiving phone calls while driving. When you make or receive phone calls while driving, you may easily lose control due to lack of concentration. You may also provoke some other road users to anger.
He respects other road users and does not quarrel or use abusive words at them.
CHALLENGES OF DRIVING
when a driver is properly trained and licensed, particularly in Nigeria, he must Prepared to face challenges on the road, which include the following:
Bad drivers who either do not know the rules of the road (Highway deliberately refuse to keep them.
Harassment by law enforcement agents.
Robbery and other activities of the men of the underworld.
Bad weather.
BENEFITS OF BEING A GOOD ROAD USER
Every good conduct has its own reward. So also, being a good road user has its own benefits which include the following:
Your safety and that of other road users is guaranteed.
There is peace among drivers on the road.
It portrays you as a law abiding citizen.
You bear a good witness for Christ by your good driving attitude conduct. This is especially so when you keep calm and do not curse because a reckless driver provokes you to anger.
A WORD FOR OTHER ROAD USERS (Pedestrians, motor cycle ride bicycle riders and school children)
Adult pedestrians must look well before they cross the road. They should cross at the right point.
Children who must cross the road should look well before crossing. The should seek the assistance of an adult while crossing at points designated for school children crossing.
Christian motorcycle riders should not be found behaving like some commercial motorcyclists who are notorious for reckless riding, over speeding, over loading, violation of the Highway Code and who refuse wear helmet as the law requires.
God's children should not join others in wrong practices such driving/riding against the normal flow of traffic at one-way and other place because they are in a hurry.
Vehicle particulars such as license, signage papers and insurances should be renewed as at when due, to avoid the temptation of having to bribe to escape prosecution.
LET US ALL PRACTISE OUR CHRISTIANITY BEHIND THE STEERING.