Heads Up Lagosians: Safety Tips To Avoid Getting Robbed In Traffic

Reports from across Lagos State indicate an increase in the prevalence of road robbery during peak traffic periods!

More recently, areas such as Mile 2, Ijora, Marina, CMS, Costain, Surulere, Ojota, Ogudu, Osborne and Oshodi have reported the highest cases of robbery incidences.

From these reports, it is suggested that these incidences typically occur between 5.30am and 6.30am in the morning, and between 7.30pm and 10.00pm at night.

As we commute daily it is important to be conscious and alert!

The following tips have been developed for the safety of ALL while commuting within Lagos State.

1). Keep all and every valuables away from sight while driving.

2). The use of mobile devices including cell phones, iPads, laptops etc should be minimised while in traffic especially in high risk areas.

3). Avoid driving alone if possible as lone drivers are more vulnerable to attack.

4). Where possible, avoid buying items from street hawkers while in traffic.

5). Items like handbags, laptop bags etc should be kept away from sight while driving in traffic.

6). It is advisable to avoid carrying original documents in your vehicles unless necessary.

7). Avoid driving in dimly lit ‘’short cut’’ areas; stick to main streets as much as possible.

8). Keep windows up and car doors locked at all times while commuting.

8). Do not pick up strangers looking to hitch a ride with you. For those who use drivers, kindly ensure they are well advised to desist from doing such when you are not in the vehicle.

9). It is generally believed that driving in the middle lanes is much safer than staying on either edges of the road.

10). Avoid discussions when you are being driven by your driver as they listen to ALL conversations .e.g. talks on money jewelry and money transactions

11). Never alert drivers your itinerary before you go out as they could collude with robbers to rob you of your valuables

12). Never put all trust on drivers or guards no matter how long they have spent with you. The longer they are with you the more devilish they can become as they virtually know a lot about you

13). Where possible, have a decoy bag with no essential items in it in your vehicle.

14). Make effective use of your rear view mirrors and monitor activities of street hawkers around your vehicle.

15). If involved in an incident, kindly seek emergency assistance immediately.

The Lagos State emergency numbers are 767 or 112 from any network!

Please note this list is not exhaustive as personal safety and security is an individual as well as collective responsibility!

Source: Facebook | O. Laniyonu


Cover image via 360nobs.com