Recent incidents in Nigeria have highlighted the urgent need for attention to impaired driving, which poses a serious threat to passenger and road safety. Government agencies have focused on checking vehicle conditions and testing drivers' vision, but there is little evidence of consideration for situations where a driver may suddenly suffer a health condition, such as a seizure, that can put lives in danger.
A seizure is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause symptoms ranging from a blank stare to a complete loss of consciousness. Medical experts say the condition can be triggered by neurological conditions, head trauma, metabolic issues, infections, and substance abuse. In some cases, seizures can provide early warnings, such as mood swings or sensory changes.
On July 5, 2026, 17 passengers narrowly escaped death on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos when the driver of a commercial bus suffered a seizure, causing the vehicle to veer dangerously towards the lagoon. A quick-thinking passenger took control of the steering wheel and safely brought the vehicle to a stop. The Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, confirmed the incident.
This incident was not an isolated case. On March 16, 2024, a commercial bus driver conveying University of Ilorin students slumped and died behind the wheel. One of the students quickly grabbed the steering wheel and safely brought the bus to a stop. These incidents demonstrate the need for stakeholders, including the government, drivers' unions, and vehicle owners' associations, to act to prevent people with seizures from driving.
To address this issue, there is a need for strong public enlightenment on seizures and their threat to passenger and road safety. The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders, should come out with a policy to prevent people suffering from seizures from putting passengers' lives in danger. If possible, a medical test to detect sufferers of the disease should be made part of the checks before a driver's licence is issued.
Employers of drivers, including government, private individuals, companies, and organisations, should ensure they do not recruit seizure patients as drivers. Road safety deserves greater attention than what is currently being given. It appears that revenue drive has taken precedence over safety, with officials more interested in forcing private car owners to comply with laws that generate revenue.
Ultimately, addressing impaired driving in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritises safety over revenue. The government and stakeholders must work together to prevent accidents caused by impaired drivers and ensure that roads are safe for all users.
Key points
- The Nigerian government and stakeholders must address impaired driving, particularly cases where drivers suffer from health conditions like seizures.
- There is a need for strong public enlightenment on seizures and their threat to passenger and road safety.
- A policy to prevent people suffering from seizures from driving should be implemented, including possible medical tests for drivers.
