SLC-S29/W3-“Thinking and Ideas!| Seeing Problems Differently!”
Have you ever stood at a pedestrian crossing and still feared for your life?
Reckless driving is one of the everyday problems in my community, and it affects everyone; pedestrians, cyclists even the drivers.
Despite that there are traffic signs, road markings, and traffic laws, many drivers still choose impatience over safety. In this post, I want to talk about how reckless driving shows up in my area, why it continues to happen, what people misunderstand about it, and the one mindset I believe must change if we want safer roads.
One everyday problem I notice in my community is reckless driving, especially the way many drivers ignore basic traffic rules. A clear example is pedestrian crossings in Lagos.
The purpose of pedestrian crossing signs is simple: drivers slow down and allow people to cross safely. But in reality, most drivers do not obey this rule. They only stop when road safety officers are around. In my area, if you try to cross the road, drivers will still speed past you. Some even shout at pedestrians to move so they can pass.
I believe one step toward solving this problem is proper driver education and certification. Before anyone is given a driver’s license, they should be properly trained and tested on traffic rules, not just how to move a vehicle. Knowing road signs is as important as knowing how to drive.
This problem still exists because of impatience and lack of discipline. I have noticed that even when drivers are not in a hurry, they still refuse to wait for pedestrians. Near my shop, I have seen many unnecessary arguments just because someone wanted to cross the road.
Another reason is that many drivers feel like they are the “king of the road.” They believe once they are behind the wheel, everyone else must give way to them. I once watched a video where someone said that to be a driver, you must be ready to shout or challenge people on the road. Sadly, many drivers use aggression to dominate others.
The most misunderstood part of reckless driving is its consequences. When accidents happen, drivers are not there to undo their mistakes. Many accidents we see daily are caused by impatience and disobedience to simple traffic laws.
There is a common saying that waiting just 30 seconds or one minute can save a life. But when drivers approach pedestrian crossings, they feel pedestrians should wait for them because they are driving. This mindset is dangerous.
If I could change one mindset, it would be the belief that drivers own the road.
pedestrian crossing the road
Many drivers think once they are behind the wheel, pedestrians must wait, cyclists must dodge, and everyone else must adjust. This mindset is wrong and dangerous. Roads are shared spaces, not battlefields.
Pedestrians are not obstacles. Cyclists are not enemies. And drivers are not kings.
If drivers understand that every human life on the road is equal — whether walking, riding, or driving — there will be less aggression, fewer accidents, and more patience. Respecting traffic rules is not weakness; it is responsibility.
Until this mindset changes, reckless driving will continue to put innocent lives at risk.
Cc;
@ninapenda
Image shot with spark 5pro
Cover image edited on pixallap
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Hi @mhizta ! we meet again.. 🤣
This condition reflects the public ethics and civilization of a nation, not just in your country! Our country also experiences the same thing, where disrespect for the rights and freedoms of others while driving is a consequence of a lack of understanding of the meaning of freedom to use the highway.
Highways are shared access and have equal rights to use without distinction of "vehicle type" and purpose, except for ambulances and fire trucks.
Road accidents are a real socialization to change the mindset of road users, but if these incidents are ignored, perhaps strict traffic regulations are also a futile option.
Good luck..... 🙏
Beautiful
Thanks for showing up again.......what is crazy driving experience you ever witnessed?
You have said it all. If reckless driving can stop by Nigeria will be a better place, but although majority of drivers are always in a hurry thereby driving on a high speed both on a good and bad road. Good luck to you
Majority?
Not in Lagos oooo
There's no drama wey we no dey see for here🤣
You have a perfect idea for solving problems. I wish you good luck
That's so thoughtful of you. I appreciate.
Hi @mhizta, welcome to thinking and ideas week 3
Reckless driving has always been a thing in this country with all drivers. It's like an inbuilt so changing it seems impossible.