RTEAN official warns against reckless driving, launches safety book

Lagos: Nurudeen Eniafe, Zonal Chairman of Ojo Zone 4, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has warned against reckless driving, particularly on the highways.

He urged members of the association and other motorists to urgently desist from dangerous driving habits that endanger lives and public safety across the country.

Eniafe gave the warning during the public presentation of his book, ‘Drivers’ Reckless Behaviour on Highway,’ at the Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo.

The ceremony attracted transport stakeholders, academics, and road safety officials.

He said reckless driving remained a major contributor to avoidable road crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Nigerian roads.

“Majority of our drivers are very reckless, and the price of reckless driving is not friendly,” he said.

Eniafe explained that the consequences of crashes go beyond victims, affecting entire families and communities in painful and lasting ways.

He noted that when breadwinners die in crashes, families often face economic hardship and emotional instability.

“When a father dies in an accident, the wife becomes vulnerable and the children may be forced out of school,” he said.

He added that some affected children eventually drift into crime and other social vices due to lack of support and guidance.

Eniafe said the inspiration for the book came from years of experience in the transport sector and academic exposure in transport planning.

He explained that his work combines field observations with theoretical knowledge gained during his Master’s degree and ongoing PhD research.

“We see accidents every day as transport operators. Many lives, including future leaders, are cut short because drivers do not respect the road,” he said.

He said the publication was designed to promote defensive driving, discipline, and patience among motorists across all categories of road users.

Eniafe urged drivers to always prioritise the safety of passengers and the wellbeing of their families while driving on highways.

“You should think of your wife and children at home and drive in a way that will protect life and property,” he said.

He called for road safety education to be introduced into school curricula at all levels across the country.

Eniafe also recommended that the book be adopted as a training manual in driving schools nationwide.

He said many drivers lack basic understanding of road signs, traffic rules, and driving ethics, worsening crash rates.rr

The RTEAN leader advised passengers to remain vigilant and assess vehicles and driver behaviour before boarding commercial transport.

“Passengers should ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and avoid drivers who appear intoxicated or unstable,” he said.

According to him, RTEAN is already conducting regular training for drivers in collaboration with LASU School of Transport.

NAN also reports that the association is also working with FRSC, LASTMA, and the Ministry of Transportation to promote road safety awareness.

Eniafe said the book would serve as a practical guide for transport operators, motorists, students, and all road users nationwide.

“Anybody can drive, but the most important thing is to drive safely,” he said.