The Deteriorating State of Driving: A Reflection on Traffic Rules, Driver Knowledge, and Cultural Shifts

In recent years, we have been witnessing a steady slide in the state of driving, evident in the disregard for traffic rules and the erosion of driver knowledge. What I am trying to do is take a peek into the growing issues surrounding driving practices, including the disregard for fundamental driving rules, the prevalent use of excessive speed, the rise of a new breed of arrogant drivers influenced by popular media, and the complicit role of law enforcement and driving schools in perpetuating this phenomenon. Additionally, I intend to explore specific examples such as blocking entrance gates and hooting outside educational institutions, hospitals, and gated communities, and highlight the influence of rowdy public service vehicles and population growth in exacerbating these problems.

Disregard for Basic Driving Rules

One of the most evident signs of the deteriorating state of driving is the widespread disregard for basic traffic rules. Many drivers seem to lack knowledge about where to stop or pull over (in fact, down here where I live, it can just happen whimsically), how to overtake safely (heard of broken lines?), or how to navigate 4-way junctions (certainly not by misusing the hazard button). The misuse of high beams on city roads at night, excessive honking, improper handling of speed bumps, and the lack of understanding about giving way reflect this deterioration. These issues collectively contribute to chaotic road conditions that endanger the lives of both drivers and pedestrians.

Drivers who have had the joy of using rules-based driving must feel frustrated to see that we have just about given in to those operating cars rather than driving them.

Obsession with Speed and Arrogant Attitudes

Modern driving culture seems to be dominated by an obsession with speed. The influence of media portrayals, such as the "Fast and Furious" franchise, has contributed to the rise of an arrogant breed of drivers who prioritize speed over safety and adherence to rules. This new generation of drivers often dismisses those who choose to follow traffic regulations as overly cautious or uncool. This attitude shift not only poses risks on the road but also highlights a disconnect between the importance of responsible driving and the influence of popular culture.

Potholes are as much a part of roads in Africa as can be, but sadly none of the driving schools adequately teach learners how to drive through potholed roads, while maintaining the health of their vehicle. Instead, speed at all costs is the only rule everyone seems to have learnt thus far. If you are ever caught trying to delicately go through bumps and holes, your blood pressure levels will most certainly rise resulting from the incessant, unreasonable and self righteous hooting that ensues from all sides.

Complicit Role of Law Enforcement and Driving Schools

The deteriorating state of driving cannot be solely attributed to the drivers themselves; the role of law enforcement and driving schools cannot be overlooked. The absence of stringent law enforcement and a lack of proper driver education contribute to the perpetuation of reckless driving behaviours. Law enforcement agencies failing to enforce traffic regulations consistently and driving schools inadequately teaching road safety principles result in drivers being ill-equipped to handle various driving scenarios responsibly.

The Bodaboda pandemic as I call it (Bodabodas are 2-wheeler taxis, motorbikes), is here to stay. Traffic police, perhaps outnumbered, but certainly least bothered, not only see offences being committed all the time but actually permit the violation almost as a normal thing.

Driving schools, like so many other rampantly mushrooming learning institutions being established to capitalise on business opportunities, are no longer talking about safety except when it is for testing purposes. Their supervision and training on the road, do not factor into it.

Examples of Deterioration in Driving Practices

Concrete examples further illustrate the deterioration in driving practices. Many drivers block entrance gates when dropping off passengers, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to others. Blocking an entrance means you are inconveniencing those wishing to enter or exit, waiting for them to royally alight or board, as the case may be. The incessant hooting outside schools, hospitals, and gated communities disrupts the tranquillity of these areas and showcases a lack of respect for public spaces. The influence of rowdy public service vehicles, often driven recklessly with little regard for road rules, has also contributed to the erosion of responsible driving behaviour.

Daladalas are public service vehicles (PSVs) and they are king on the roads. They can decide when to stop, when it is time to hurry when to block traffic, when to shift to the opposite lane, and so much more. They disrupt traffic all the time. In some cases, where schools hire the services of such buses to double up as school buses, seeing them drive even with fragile passengers aboard, you would think the East African Safari Rally is now in town.

Impact of Population Growth

The rapid growth of the population exacerbates the issues surrounding driving practices. As the number of vehicles on the road increases, traffic congestion intensifies, and the pressure to reach destinations quickly grows. This situation can lead to impatience among drivers, resulting in the disregard of traffic rules and the prioritization of personal convenience over safety. The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionalised retail shopping by encouraging the growth of the home delivery segment - which sounds all very good, but is in essence also fuelling the crisis present by motorcycles and three-wheelers. They are otherwise very convenient forms of transport, except that they are not safe.

What now?

To address this issue, a comprehensive approach is needed, involving stricter law enforcement, enhanced driver education programs, and a cultural shift towards valuing responsible driving practices over reckless behaviour. Only through collective efforts can society reclaim the roads as safe and organized spaces for all.

Restoring safety on roads and reducing arrogant behaviour among drivers requires a multifaceted approach that combines education, awareness, enforcement, and cultural change. Here are several steps that can be taken to achieve these goals:

1. Enhance Driver Education Programs: Update and strengthen driver education programs to ensure that they cover not only the technical aspects of driving but also emphasize the importance of road safety, responsible behaviour, and adherence to traffic rules. Incorporate real-life scenarios and case studies to illustrate the consequences of reckless driving.

2. Promote Defensive Driving Techniques: Teach drivers defensive driving techniques that emphasize anticipating potential hazards, maintaining safe following distances, and reacting calmly in stressful situations. This can help drivers develop a proactive and safety-conscious mindset.

3. Incorporate Practical Training: Include practical, on-road training sessions as part of driver education programs. This can give learners firsthand experience in various driving conditions and help them develop essential skills for safe driving.

4. Use Advanced Simulations: Utilize advanced driving simulators that replicate real-world driving scenarios. Simulators can help drivers practice responding to emergencies, adverse weather conditions, and other challenging situations in a controlled environment.

5. Emphasize the Consequences: Educate drivers about the real-life consequences of their actions. Share stories, videos, and testimonials from accident survivors, victims, and their families to convey the devastating impact of reckless driving.

6. Collaborate with Media and Influencers: Partner with media outlets and social media influencers to spread awareness about safe driving practices. Engaging content can be created to reach a wider audience and shift cultural perceptions of driving behaviour.

7. Strengthen Law Enforcement: Increase the presence of law enforcement officers on the roads to enforce traffic rules consistently. Implement stricter penalties for traffic violations and reckless driving behaviours to create a deterrent effect.

8. Use Technology for Monitoring: Employ technology such as traffic cameras, speed sensors, and automated enforcement systems to monitor road behaviour and issue citations or fines to violators. This can help ensure that traffic rules are followed even when law enforcement officers are not physically present.

9. Reward Responsible Behaviour: Implement incentive programs that reward drivers for adhering to traffic rules and exhibiting responsible behaviour. Recognition for safe driving practices can contribute to a positive shift in driving culture.

10. Community Engagement and Campaigns: Organize road safety campaigns and community engagement events to promote safe driving. Workshops, seminars, and public discussions can help raise awareness and encourage responsible driving practices.

11. Involve Schools and Educational Institutions: Collaborate with schools and educational institutions to incorporate road safety education into their curriculum. This can instil safe driving habits from a young age and create a lasting impact.

12. Lead by Example: Government officials, law enforcement officers, and other authority figures should lead by example when it comes to safe driving. Demonstrating responsible behaviour on the roads can influence others to follow suit.

13. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of road safety initiatives, driver education programs, and enforcement measures. Adapt strategies based on the outcomes and feedback received.

Restoring safety on roads and reducing arrogant behaviour requires a collective effort from government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement, the media, and the public. By combining education, awareness, enforcement, and cultural change, it is possible to create a safer and more respectful driving environment for everyone.