The Nigerian nation is geographically located within the tropical region of the globe. This basically means all the prevailing seasons in the region would be damp and humid. The seasons in Nigeria unlike other parts of the world, are just two; the rainy season and the dry season.

There are several hazards attached to driving in both weather conditions, therefore for drivers to survive in both weather conditions they need to observe certain cautionary measures.

Driving in the rain or in wet weather conditions


As a driver and road user of almost 2 decades, there are several principles I have learnt about driving in the rain or during a wet season that helps to keep me safe from accidents as well as other road users. I’ll share some with you.

Do not speed


While driving in the rain, try not to be in a hurry. Drive below the acceptable speed limit even when you’re comfortable driving at the   regular speed. This protects you from sudden manoeuvres by other road users and gives you ample time to react.

Turn on your headlamps


Even if you’re driving during the day, once it is raining, it’s advisable to put on your headlamps. Visibility is one of the first things to be affected on a typical wet day and therefore putting on your headlamps allow you to see much better and further in order to avoid any obstacles in the rain.

Do  not go headlong into a flooded street or portion of the road


Many times while it is raining, floods and puddles of water mask huge potholes, gulley and debris on the road. This poses a huge risk for the assuming driver which can lead to avoidable accidents and crashes. Also from experience, I have noticed that certain vehicles engines breakdown when flooded with water therefore it is critical to say you should avoid as much as you can driving through a flood areas.

Avoid distractions


Using of phones while driving has arguably been one of the highest triggers of vehicular accidents in Nigeria since the year 2000 when GSM phones found their way into the Nigerian society.  Other distracting activities like eating, trying to use one hand to pick an item, handling a partner etc. all portends danger while driving but even more so while driving in the rain.

There are several things that should be or not be done while driving in the rain, however the overall idea is to be very alert, cautious and drive slowly to allow for efficient usage of brakes and avoid skidding off the road.

Driving during harmattan or in dry/hazy weather conditions


In Nigeria, one of the most visible impact of the dry season is the attending harmattan haze that follows the seasonal change. The harmattan is actually a West-African trade wind which blows over the Sahara desert picking up fine, micro-tiny, dust particles. This dust-filled wind is then blown over the West African sub region reducing visibility sometimes for days and causing a lot of health related issues.

The greatest issue to driving in the harmattan haze is poor visibility. The fog-like haze can be so thick that at times it is impossible to see up to a meter in front of you while driving. Here are some personal tips and advices I have observed while driving during harmattan:

The golden rule of driving as always is to go at a comfortable pace. Do not speed or be in a hurry to get to your destination.
Also use your headlamps when visibility is poor in order to signal an oncoming vehicle of your nearness.
Keep the windshield up and use the air-conditioner to reduce the risk of infections.
Never drive into a sandstorm.
Be alert and pay attention on the road at all times.
These tips are not exhaustive. The overall idea is to have present consciousness while driving and to be responsive to unforeseen situations.


http://www.carmudi.com.ng/journal/driving-survive-different-weather-conditions/

Nice tips

How abt driving at night