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Safety travel tips for the festive season

By Musa Adekunle

02 December 2024   |   5:51 pm

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December is here, and for many Nigerians, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with family, attend events, and soak in the festive cheer. Whether you’re heading to the village for the holidays or visiting loved ones in the city, this period is always bustling with travel plans and excitement. However, it’s also the year's busiest…

December is here, and for many Nigerians, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with family, attend events, and soak in the festive cheer. Whether you’re heading to the village for the holidays or visiting loved ones in the city, this period is always bustling with travel plans and excitement.

However, it’s also the year’s busiest travel season, with increased road traffic, higher transport costs, and heightened security concerns. As you prepare for your journey, here are essential tips to ensure you travel safely and enjoy a stress-free December.

1. Prepare your vehicle for the journey

Before hitting the road, make sure your car is in excellent condition. Check your tyres, brakes, engine oil, and lights to avoid breakdowns. It’s also crucial to have essentials like a spare tyre, car jack, warning triangle, and a fully charged phone in case of emergencies. Taking these steps can save you from being stranded on the highway.

2. Pack enough food and water

Road trips can be long and exhausting, especially with the dry Harmattan weather. Stay hydrated by carrying enough water for the journey. Pack food and snacks from home to reduce the need for roadside stops, which can be time-consuming and potentially unsafe.

If you need to stop, choose reputable restaurants or filling stations with clean facilities. Avoid relieving yourself in unsafe or unhygienic areas—plan your stops wisely to ensure comfort and safety.

READ ALSO: 10 smart ways to stretch your salary this festive season

3. Avoid night travel

While night journeys might seem appealing due to less traffic, they come with serious risks. Poor visibility, pothole-filled roads, and the threat of robbery or kidnappings make travelling at night dangerous. Plan your trips during the day to minimise these risks and increase your chances of reaching your destination safely.

4. Adhere to traffic rules and road safety

Always wear your seatbelt and ensure passengers, especially children, are properly secured. Maintain a steady speed and avoid overtaking recklessly. Obey road signs and traffic lights, even when the roads seem clear. Remember, it’s better to arrive late than not arrive at all.

5. Be mindful of security risks

The holiday season unfortunately comes with increased cases of robbery and kidnappings on certain routes. If you’re travelling on highways like Abuja-Kaduna or other known hotspots, take extra precautions. Avoid displaying valuables, and let someone know your travel route and estimated arrival time.

It’s also wise to travel in groups when possible and stick to major roads with better security presence. Safety should always be your top priority.

6. Plan and book ahead

To avoid last-minute disappointments, book your bus or flight tickets in advance. Transport companies are usually overwhelmed with travellers during December, so securing your spot early saves you unnecessary stress. If you’re driving, map out your route and plan your departure time to avoid delays or overcrowded roads.
Takeaway

As you gear up for the festivities, let safety guide your decisions. December is a time to celebrate, but no celebration is worth compromising your well-being. By taking these precautions, you’ll not only protect yourself but also ensure your journey is smooth and enjoyable.

Stay safe, plan ahead, and make this holiday season one to remember for all the right reasons. Safe travels.