After a Road Accident in Nigeria, What Should Every Driver Do?

You are driving home when another vehicle hits your car. Your passengers are frightened, other motorists begin to gather, and you are trying to understand what happened. You may be worried about injuries, vehicle damage and the cost of repairs.

In that moment, it is easy to panic or argue with the other driver. But your first priority should be safety. Take a breath, check yourself and your passengers, and look for immediate dangers around the vehicles.

If anyone is seriously injured or trapped, contact emergency services immediately. In Nigeria, you can call the Federal Road Safety Corps on 122 for road crash assistance. You can also call 112, the national emergency number. Give the operator your location and explain what has happened as clearly as possible.

Do not rush into moving an injured person unless staying where they are creates immediate danger. If you can move safely, get away from moving traffic. Warn other road users of the crash without putting yourself in danger. Do not stand in the road to take photographs or argue about who caused the accident.

When the scene is safe, record useful details. These may include the vehicles’ registration numbers, the other driver’s contact information and photographs of the damage. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details. Avoid arguments and do not guess about facts you are unsure of. Contact your insurer and ask what steps you need to follow.

Insurance is another part of accident preparation. Motor Insurance in Nigeria explains why understanding your policy matters before a crash occurs. Your cover may not pay for every repair or expense, so check its conditions before you need to make a claim.

VAYA Drivers Club provides driver safety resources, legal assistance guidance, emergency support information, accident response education and driver rights awareness. These resources help members learn what to consider before an emergency happens. VAYA does not replace emergency services, issue insurance policies or promise to pay accident expenses.

As a Vaya Member, you can use the dashboard to explore the Learning Centre and its lesson videos. You can also review your member ID, referral code and community resources, and ask the team questions. Start by learning the accident response guidance available to you. Then make a plan for keeping important documents and emergency contacts accessible. Review your motor insurance so you understand what it covers. Finally, share useful safety information with people who travel with you.

Drivers who prepare only after an accident may find themselves making important decisions while frightened or confused. Learning the steps beforehand can help you respond more calmly. You cannot control every road situation, but you can improve your readiness.