The need for stricter regulations on heavy-duty trucks carrying hazardous materials
In The need for stricter regulations on heavy-duty trucks carrying hazardous materialscent times, the country has witnessed a disturbing increase in the number of heavy-duty trucks overturning, often carrying hazardous petroleum products.
These accidents have resulted in tragic consequences, including loss of lives, injuries, and widespread gridlock. The frequency of these incidents calls for urgent action from federal and state traffic management agencies, law enforcement, and standards agencies to address this menace and protect lives, property, commerce, and travel.
One incident that exemplifies the severity of the problem occurred when a truck with a massive 33,000-litre capacity tank collided with a 24-seater bus, effectively blocking the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for an entire day.
Unfortunately, this is just one of many crashes that have occurred recently, posing significant risks to lives, infrastructure, and the economy.
The aftermath of these accidents is often devastating. Trucks tumbling over and spilling their contents have led to loss of lives, severe injuries, and extensive damage to vehicles, roads, and adjacent property.
Furthermore, the situation is exacerbated by residents, both young and old, who rush to scoop up the spilled petroleum products, inadvertently worsening the situation. Tragically, fires frequently break out, claiming lives and causing further injuries.
The resulting gridlock only compounds the problem, leading to additional damage to the roads. The impact of these accidents on transportation cannot be overstated. For instance, a recent incident on the old Niger Bridge at Onitsha, where a fuel-laden truck crashed and caught fire, completely halted the movement of vehicles from Anambra State to Asaba, Delta State.
Commuters were forced to divert to the Second Niger Bridge, causing significant disruptions and inconveniences.
Several incidents serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by these accidents. In July, a fuel truck veered off the road and toppled over in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, resulting in a spillage.
Tragically, a crowd that gathered to collect the fuel inadvertently ignited an explosion and fire, claiming the lives of eight individuals, including a pregnant woman. Similarly, in Ijora, Lagos, three fuel trucks involved in an accident sparked a fire that destroyed numerous vehicles and electric poles.
The statistics provided by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency are deeply concerning. In 2022 alone, out of the 1,259 emergency calls received regarding vehicle disasters, 368 incidents involved truck/tanker accidents, with an additional 536 involving other vehicle accidents and 46 trailer accidents.
Between January 2021 and October 2023, a staggering 81 individuals lost their lives in tanker explosions and fires. The increasing number of heavy-duty trucks overturning and causing havoc on the roads is a matter of grave concern. Urgent action is required from relevant authorities to address this menace and prevent further loss of lives, injuries, and damage to infrastructure. Enhanced enforcement of traffic regulations, stricter adherence to safety standards, and public awareness campaigns are crucial steps in mitigating the risks associated with these accidents.
Failure to act promptly could have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s safety, economy, and overall well-being.
Apart from bad roads, faulty vehicles and reckless and drunk driving, a major cause of frequent crashes is lax enforcement of the law and standards. The various governments should upgrade and enforce traffic and vehicle standard regulations.
In Lagos, chaos reigns on the highways. The once steadfast laws that prohibited tankers from occupying the roads until 9 p.m. have been abandoned, leaving the city vulnerable to the dangers they pose.
Heavy-duty trucks, once banned from traversing the city’s overhead bridges, now roam freely, defying the regulations that were once enforced. The consequence of this negligence is evident as trucks regularly topple over on the bridges, a precarious sight that sends shivers down the spines of onlookers.
Nigeria’s roads, a patchwork of potholes, craters, and gullies, present a treacherous path for these trucks. With such trepidation underfoot, it is no wonder that these vehicles are prone to overturning, further endangering the lives of those who traverse these dilapidated routes. It is imperative that the three tiers of government take responsibility for the maintenance, expansion, and provision of new roads, ensuring the safety of all who rely on them.
Adding to the perilous state of affairs, the heavy-duty vehicles themselves are relics of a bygone era. Old, rickety, and ill-maintained, they pose a significant threat to the safety of both their drivers and the general public.
Worn-out tires, the absence of signaling lights, and insecure latching devices only exacerbate the risks associated with these vehicles. It is the duty of the government to protect its citizens and their property, and ensuring safety on the highways is an integral part of that responsibility.
Drawing inspiration from the European Commission, which has enacted stringent safety regulations over the past two decades, Nigeria must follow suit. The implementation of a Europe-wide ‘Whole Vehicle Type Approval System’ and other rules has significantly improved road safety in the region.
Nigeria must take a leaf out of their book and initiate similar reforms to safeguard its citizens. The Federal Road Safety Corps, alongside state and federal capital vehicle inspection offices, must rise to the occasion and fulfill their duties with unwavering diligence.
These agencies, responsible for traffic management, road safety, vehicle certification, and standards, must work hand in hand to ensure the highest level of safety on the roads. Their commitment and dedication are paramount in curbing the frequency of fatal accidents involving heavy-duty trucks.
However, the onus does not solely rest on the shoulders of the government and its agencies. Companies operating trucks and individual truck owners must also play their part in promoting safety.
Proper training, retraining, and discipline of drivers are essential, as is regular maintenance of the vehicles themselves.
The state of road safety in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole demands urgent attention. The abandonment of regulations, the sorry state of the roads, and the dilapidated condition of heavy-duty vehicles have created a perfect storm of danger.
It is time for the government, its agencies, and all stakeholders to come together and prioritise the safety of the people.
Only through collective action can Nigeria pave the way towards a future where its highways are no longer synonymous with peril, but instead, a symbol of security and progress.
