6 Essential Tools Every Lagos Driver Must Have To Survive

If you reside in Lagos or have driven there, particularly during rush hour, you’ll agree with us that doing so is like engaging in combat. According to a widely held belief, if you haven’t driven in Lagos, you can’t claim to be a good driver because you haven’t encountered the city’s harsh driving conditions.

If you’re not quick enough while driving in Lagos, either you get into difficulty on your own or someone else does. In either case, problems are almost always bound to arise. If a Range Rover Autobiography isn’t struck by a Danfo, a Toyota Corolla will be hit by bike guys.

Everyone seems to be in a rage when driving in this same part of Lagos. People are not patient enough to allow you the right of way, and when you eventually drive incorrectly, many people will curse you. When you walk on their toes, many other road users are equally willing to fight you without hesitation; even pedestrians won’t put up with any bullshit.

Here are some of the tools you’ll need to win the battle of Lagos driving.

•  Google Maps

One of the most crucial tools if you want to win this battle is Google Maps. It will allow you to anticipate your enemy’s plans (a traffic jam). You can see how clear the road is by using Google Maps. When the weather is bad, they could use Google Maps to choose a different route. Instead of getting trapped in traffic gridlock, you’ll wind up saving time. You can avoid being an Uber driver or rider by using Google Maps.

The good news is that Google Maps can be used to transport you to your destination while you are on foot. Typically, most drivers don’t know where to drop you off, but that problem has been remedied with the use of Google Maps.

• An air conditioner that works

In this war, a good air conditioner that keeps everything cool is essential. Driving in the heat of Lagos can exacerbate feelings of annoyance and pain. To effectively cool down your system, you’ll need something. Do you realise how violent Danfo drivers become when they start to perspire? Rarely will you encounter someone driving a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 equipped with such forceful air conditioning? Simply attempt to repair your car’s AC. You don’t want to be stuck in traffic with your windows down because everyone knows how nasty it can be.

• Your contact for the panel beater

This specific collision is crucial because reckless drivers could impact your car at any time. The purpose of having this contact is to get you the appropriate amount of repair work done on your car in the event of any kind of mishap. A bonus is knowing who to contact for spare parts in Ladipo. In Lagos, you would see a volcano on every corner, which means not everyone needs to be patronised.

• Have all of your car’s documentation

If you don’t like being bothered and delayed, having all of your car’s documentation is crucial. Driving with invalid or expired documentation will result in defeat in this battle. Your driver’s licence is among these papers. Avoid using a fraudulent or expired licence. If you’re unlucky, you can end up in the custody of police officers, who will treat you seriously and squander your time. Even when you have all the required documentation, Lagos police officers will still come up with anything to try to extort you; therefore, you must know how to handle them. Be cool and restrained when dealing with them.

• Have sufficient gasoline

Make sure your car has adequate fuel so you can comfortably handle any unexpected traffic situations. On the journey, your fuel must not run out. Even if your fuel is running low, be sure to keep enough cash on hand in case the trip takes longer than you anticipated. One benefit of Lagos is that there are always gas stations nearby, giving you ample opportunity to refuel while driving.

• Purchase a working sound system.

The idea is to keep you occupied despite all the inconveniences of driving in Lagos. It won’t be a bad idea to tune into your favourite radio program or play your favourite playlist.

Conclusion

Lagos is a rowdy and extremely noisy city; therefore, you must use caution when driving, walking, and even when in traffic.