Lagos Road Worthiness Certification For Car Users On Unworthy Roads

BY DAYO ADESULU

Roadworthiness refers to the condition of a vehicle and its ability to meet the necessary safety and operational requirements to be deemed fit for driving on public roads. It is a term commonly used in the context of vehicle inspections and assessments conducted by authorized entities such as government agencies, insurance companies, or certified mechanics.

Specific Criteria For Roadworthiness

The specific criteria for roadworthiness can vary depending on the jurisdiction but generally include aspects such as:

1. Mechanical Components: This refers to the overall condition of the vehicle’s engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, tires, lights, and other essential parts. The vehicle should be in good working order and free from any defects that could compromise its safety or performance.

2. Safety Features: The vehicle should be equipped with essential safety features such as seat belts, airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and functional lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.). These features are crucial for the protection of the driver, passengers, and other road users.

3. Emissions and Pollution Control: Many jurisdictions have regulations regarding vehicle emissions to mitigate environmental impact. A roadworthy vehicle must comply with these standards and have its exhaust system in good condition to minimize pollution.

4. Structural Integrity: The vehicle’s body and structure should be free from significant damage or corrosion that could compromise its safety or stability.

5. Vehicle Documentation: The vehicle should have up-to-date registration, insurance, and other necessary documentation to legally operate on public roads.

Roadworthiness assessments are typically conducted through periodic inspections, such as annual vehicle inspections or pre-purchase inspections. These inspections aim to identify any issues or deficiencies that may pose a risk to the driver, passengers, or other road users. If a vehicle fails to meet the roadworthiness requirements, it may be subject to repair or maintenance before it can be considered fit for road use.

If the reason or reasons for the introduction of roadworthiness in Lagos is for the safety of its residents, why are the commercial vehicles exonerated from these yearly exercises of inspections? The Lagos State government has specifically turned a blind eye to the commercial drivers’ rickety vehicles for the reason best known to them. Commercial buses that carry fourteen to eighteen passengers and trucks are completely out of the road-worthiness inspection. Whereas they need the inspection more than the private car owners.

Who does that in a sane society where this policy was imported? The Lagos State government imported the idea of roadworthiness and huge fines for violators from developed countries. But has completely failed to import the policy of an ideal roadworthiness. Even the fines meted on first offenders are on the high side. It is not like that in Europe and America. Will it be out of the citizens’ rights to sue the government that penalises car owners who use cars that are unworthy but fail to give them worthy roads?

However, while many road users struggle to attain this tall order that aims at promoting an accident-free society, are the roads themselves worthy of the cars using the roads?

Unworthy Road Characteristics

Unworthy roads typically refer to roads that are poorly designed, maintained, or serve little purpose. Here are some characteristics that are often associated with unworthy roads:

1. Poor condition: Unworthy roads are often in a state of disrepair, with potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces. These conditions can make driving unsafe and uncomfortable. On several occasions, the condition of the roads have necessitated the unworthy cars in the society.

Worthy cars on unworthy roads. Who will meet the penalty on the government?

2. Insufficient capacity: Unworthy roads may be narrow or lack the necessary capacity to accommodate the volume of traffic they receive. This can lead to congestion, delays, and increased risk of accidents. Consequently, many accidents on such roads have led to unworthy vehicles.

3. Lack of maintenance: These roads often exhibit a lack of regular maintenance, such as inadequate signage, faded road markings, and overgrown vegetation. This can make navigation difficult and increase the chances of accidents.

4. Limited connectivity: Unworthy roads may have limited connectivity to important destinations, such as residential areas, schools, hospitals, or commercial centres. This lack of connectivity can hinder accessibility and economic development.

5. Inadequate safety features: Unworthy roads may lack proper safety features, such as guardrails, lighting, or pedestrian crossings. This can pose risks to both motorists and pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

6. Absence of proper drainage: Roads without proper drainage systems can experience flooding and waterlogging during heavy rainfall, making them impassable and causing further damage to the road surface.

7. Lack of amenities: Unworthy roads often lack essential amenities like rest areas, fuel stations, or emergency services. This can inconvenience travellers and decrease overall convenience and safety.

8. Limited or no infrastructure for alternative transportation: Unworthy roads typically lack infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation, such as bicycle lanes or sidewalks. This can discourage non-motorized transportation and limit mobility options for pedestrians and cyclists.

9. Inefficient alignment: Some unworthy roads may have inefficient alignments, such as sharp turns, inadequate sight distances, or poor integration with the surrounding road network. These issues can make driving more challenging and increase the likelihood of accidents.

10. Low priority for upgrades: Unworthy roads may not receive sufficient attention or funding for improvements due to various factors like low traffic volume, remote location, or lack of political will. As a result, they remain in a state of neglect for extended periods.

Are the roads in Lagos worthy of the cars. It is important to note that these characteristics may vary in degree and combination, and the term “unworthy road” can be subjective depending on local standards and expectations.