Baskadia

By Johnbull Emmanuel Oluwaseun

In the early hours of a foggy morning, a car swerved off the road and crashed into a tree. The driver, a 19-year-old without a license, walked away with minor injuries, but the passenger, his best friend, wasn't as fortunate. This tragic accident is just one example of the deadly consequences of unchecked, unlicensed driving ; a growing issue that endangers lives and strains public resources.

Unlicensed driving is alarmingly common. approximately one in five fatal crashes involves a driver without a valid license. Despite stringent laws and enforcement efforts, many continue to take the wheel illegally, putting everyone on the road at risk.

A victim of this act is Mrs Abraham Adeola (not her real name) lost her husband, Mr Abraham Olasunkanmi, in a collision with an unlicensed driver. "He was on his way home from work," she recalls, tears welling up. "He never saw it coming. The driver had no business being on the road."

The perpetrator who happened to be Mr Okoye Mathew, a 22-year-old caught driving without a license, explains his situation. "I needed to get to work and support my family. Public transport wasn’t an option. I knew it was wrong, but I felt like I had no choice."

Officer Afolabi Ogunjobi highlights the challenge of identifying unlicensed drivers. "Many go unnoticed until they're involved in an accident or caught in a traffic stop. Our resources are stretched thin, making it hard to crack down on every violation."

Attorney Jude Emeka (though not is real name) points out the legal repercussions. "Unlicensed drivers face fines, vehicle impoundment, and sometimes jail time. But the real issue is the preventable loss and suffering caused by their actions."

Road safety experts emphasizes the broader impact. "Unlicensed driving is a symptom of larger issues like inadequate public transport and lack of education on road safety. Addressing these root causes is important."

Hospitals and emergency services are often overwhelmed by the aftermath of accidents involving unlicensed drivers. "These incidents not only drain resources but also delay care for other patients," says Dr. Susan Mustapha an ER physician.

Insurance companies face challenges too. Victims of unlicensed drivers often struggle with claims, as many policies don’t cover accidents involving illegal activities. This leaves families with hefty medical bills and repair costs.

However efforts have been made to curb unlicensed driving include payment of fines, vehicle impoundment, and community service. Nevertheless, their effectiveness is mixed.

Furthermore several solutions have been proposed by expects. These include improving public transportation, offering driving education programs, and implementing harsher penalties for repeat offenders. "Education and awareness are key," says Adams. "People need to understand the risks and consequences."

Public awareness and community involvement are essential. Creating public awareness concerning the dangers of unlinsensed driving is crucial so as to avoid the risks and casualties attached to it. The communities can also help by reporting unlinsensed drivers and also supporting local safety initiatives. It is also very important to advocate for the stronger enforcement and better road safety laws.

In conclusion unlicensed driving is a preventable menace that takes lives and strains our public services. By addressing the root causes and advocating for stronger policies, we can reduce these tragic incidents and make our roads safer for everyone.