Better driving in heavy traffics

Let’s look at a couple of things.  If you are getting honked at a lot in your local area, then maybe you ARE going too slowly.  You may need to try to ramp up your skills and speeds a little.  If you are sticking to the speed limit, then you really don’t have a problem, […]

Let’s look at a couple of things.  If you are getting honked at a lot in your local area, then maybe you ARE going too slowly.  You may need to try to ramp up your skills and speeds a little.  If you are sticking to the speed limit, then you really don’t have a problem, but some areas, the speed limit is just a suggestion and the flow of traffic is a lot faster.  In those instances, within your own comfort and safety zone, try to speed up a little to more naturally go with the flow of traffic.  I am not advocating aggressive driving; it will only help dent or bruise your car. Try to keep up with the traffic movement. This will not only stop some from honking, but it will actually be safe for you and the car.

Practice is usually the best thing for this type of problem, but you may need more personal help. The driving school would have been a help but they only train you to drive and observe traffic laws. It is a case to be handled by a high performance driving school. But where are they? In Nigeria, I haven’t heard of any. In the absence of one, try to get as much practice as possible in traffic.  Start out in your local area, stay away from rush hour at first, and then maybe try to hit rush hour.  If you are in Abuja, try the Kubwa Express. It often has steady movement of traffic.  If you have someone else with you, try doing more driving yourself rather than letting them drive, if that is what happens. Take less high-speed roads and avoid trouble spots, but keep practising. Make sure your passengers are calm and helpful, if they are nervous, they will add to your own nerves.  Also, if the kids are making a fuss, that is bad.  Try to have them calm and get them to behave when you are driving, this is good for anyone, but not always possible.

If it becomes impossible, try to find a local friend that is a good driver and a good “teacher” (the two don’t go together naturally, but find someone that can really help you).

Like my friend Don would say good luck, I hope I have helped.