The reign of reckless truck drivers must end

The recent incident involving Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Otabor, popularly referred to as Phyna has become a jolting reminder of the need to treat the menace of reckless driving by heavy-duty truck drivers with the seriousness it deserves. Having been hit by a truck linked to Dangote […]

The recent incident involving Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Otabor, popularly referred to as Phyna has become a jolting reminder of the need to treat the menace of reckless driving by heavy-duty truck drivers with the seriousness it deserves. Having been hit by a truck linked to Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State last month, Ruth had undergone a leg amputation but tragically succumbed to her injuries.  

Across Nigeria, reckless driving by heavy-duty truck drivers has become a national emergency. From Lagos to Kano, Port Harcourt to Edo and the FCT, the headlines are grim and the consequences often fatal, leaving families shattered, and properties destroyed.

For as long as vehicles have plied Nigerian roads, heavy-duty truck drivers have considered themselves kings on the highway. They have commanded a dominant presence with their massive, imposing, and often overloaded vehicles that cut through various states as they transport goods from one region of the country to the other.

Many Nigerians once viewed these drivers with a mix of admiration and respect, believing their long hours, endurance, and ability to navigate difficult terrains made them seasoned professionals on vehicle manoeuvres and highway matters.

But that perception is rapidly eroding and it is safe to say that what was once looked upon with admiration and respect is gradually turning to fear, frustration and anger. Too many heart-rending stories about heavy-duty vehicles veering off lanes, crushing smaller vehicles, or plunging into marketplaces abound. These are not isolated incidents but a symptom of a deeper, systemic failure. While reckless driving is a major factor, it is only one piece of a troubling puzzle that includes other human factors and poor enforcement by Nigerian authorities.

At the heart of this mayhem is a breakdown in regulation and oversight. The absence of basic safety protocols by both drivers and the authorities tasked with enforcing road safety is glaring. There are instances of drivers who appear young, untrained, and in some instances unlicensed behind the wheels of heavy-duty trucks, putting themselves and other road users at grave risk. Overloading and speeding are commonplace, even in densely populated areas, especially weekly highway community markets. Worse still, many of these trucks are old, poorly maintained and, therefore, prone to breakdowns that block major highways and trigger traffic or accidents. No doubt, even when they break down and are stationed in the middle of the road, in many cases they are left without proper warning signs or reflective indicators. At night, these unmarked vehicles become death traps for unsuspecting or over speeding motorists.

Human factors also play a significant role. Many truck drivers work under intense pressure, often driving for long hours without rest. In such conditions, fatigue could impair judgment. Some drivers reportedly resort to drug use to stay awake, which inadvertently further compromises their ability to drive safely. In other cases, they hand over the control of the vehicle to substitutes who may be young and unqualified, inexperienced and overzealous as well as unfamiliar with road safety procedures.

The Nigerian government cannot escape blame. Years of neglect have left our roads in deplorable conditions. Potholes and poor signage are common features, especially on major highways. In a bid to avoid these hazards, truck drivers swerve unpredictably, endangering other road users while the lack of consistent enforcement of safety standards continue to embolden many to flout regulations with impunity.

In some urban centres where heavy-duty trucks are not allowed into cities during the day time, they have formed the habit of parking indiscriminately for days, obstructing traffic and endangering pedestrians. This blatant disregard for public safety is a direct result of weak regulatory enforcement.

As we enter the Ember Months, a period traditionally associated with increased travels and heightened accident rates, the urgency to act becomes even more critical. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) must step up its oversight and enforcement role. Regular engagement with truck driver unions, transport companies, and logistics firms is essential. Heavy-duty truck drivers must undergo periodic assessments, including medical evaluations, to ensure they are fit to operate heavy-duty vehicles.

Furthermore, federal and state governments and their agencies must prioritise road maintenance and invest in proper signage and lighting of streets. Public awareness campaigns should be intensified, targeting both drivers and the general public. Citizens must be educated on how to navigate roads safely and report violations when they occur.

The time for a full-fledged reassessment of road safety protocols is now. Reckless driving by truck drivers is not just a nuisance, it is a national threat that must be addressed with all seriousness. It endangers lives and undermines public confidence in our road transportation system.

We at Daily Trust call on all stakeholders including the local governments, unions, companies, and citizens to treat this issue as a national emergency. Too many lives have been lost to this preventable menace and it is now time to end the reign of recklessness by heavy-truck drivers.