INTRODUCTION

In major cities around the world's capitals, traffic gridlocks, has always being the major headaches of car owners.

Take for example, Lagos, Nigeria, where almost every nook and cranny, there are traffic gridlocks, some necessitated by the numerable traffic stop lights; illegal mounting of check points by law enforcement agents; densely populated neighbourhoods, and broken down articulated trucks.

Traffic gridlocks pose significant challenges to car owners, in terms of security, vehicle breakdowns, and environmental pollutions.

This article would focus sorely on the SECURITY RISKS associated with being stuck in traffic gridlocks.

THE SECURITY THREATS YOU FACE
In Lagos, and in other major capitals, the threat posed from being in your car, all day, in traffic gridlock are numerous.

*Threat of being robbed of your possessions, and kidnapped, at gun point.

*Threat of mob action, for instance there was a break down of law and other. Cars could be set alight, without no chance of escape.

Take for instance, if there was a car that suddenly catches fire.
Because of the inflammable nature of petrol, and the close proximity of cars to each other, cars could easily go up in flames, before the arrival of firefighters.

*Threat of sexual assault. Ladies who drive alone to work early, are at a risk of being sexually assaulted.

*You might get no help, as soon as possible, when your car breaks down.

PS: The funny, or surprising thing with Lagos is that, when incidents such as assaults, and traffic robberies happen, we just don't get close to help the victim.
If you do, you might end up being framed up, or killed in the process.

WHEN YOU APPROACH, OR IN A TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK SITUATION, WHAT DO YOU DO?
There are marked out places in our "minds", where we know has a history of crimes, and insecurity.

Places like, OSHODI(Oke and Isale); TOYOTA BUSTOP; THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE; IYANA IPAJA; AJAH, etc are places with terrible traffic congestion, whether in the mornings or evenings, where you'd not want your vehicle to stall.

Here's what you'll do

1. Ensure all your glasses are closed; your Ac system perfectly working.
Your cars door should also be pinned locked.

2. Put away all phones, laptops, jewelry out of sight when driving. You can hide them under your car seats, or put them in the booth, before leaving the office.

Thieves get attracted when they see valuables like that on your car's seat.
I have heard of stories of women, whose mobile phones have being forcefully stollen from them, even while their car's doors and glasses were closed.

3. Don't interact with the hawkers you see on traffic gridlocks. Some of them are disguised thieves.

Guns could be concealed in some of their wares.
Even some beggars are not exonerated.
If you really insists you want to patronise them, DON'T WIND DOWN YOUR GLASS FULLY. WIND IT DOWN 1/4.

4. Don't get too close to the car in front of you, except the traffic is moving.
Reason being, in case of any emergency, you'd be able to negotiate your way out of there easily.

5. Continuously blare your car's horn, when you notice someone getting extremely close to your car. You do this, to draw the attention of other car owners.

6. Stay in your car, if it breaks down. This is not a "one fits it all" methodology.
You sit in the car, and make necessary calls for help, if and only you observe that the area where you're, despite the gridlocks, hoodlums would want to take advantage of you. This applies mainly to the women folks.

Definitely, some persons would come over to want to assist you. They may claim to be mechanics. You'd be surrounded by such people, and if you aren't careful, you'll be instantly dispossessed.
So be watchful.


HOW NOT TO BE A VICTIM VEHICLE BREAK DOWN IN TRAFFIC.
Its so embarrassing for one's vehicle to breakdown in a traffic situation.
You'd hear people say, "Oga comot your stupid car from here jor!".

1. Ensure your car's in good shape mechanically, and otherwise.
I bet you wouldn't want to get stucked in traffic because of your car just broke down.
Do not assume your cars in a perfect condition, because its new.
Carry out scheduled and preventive maintenance checks on your car(s).

2. Get the contacts of your mechanic handy, or that of a car rescue facility.
You might never know when you'll need their help.

3. Plan your trip before leaving home. You can plan to avoid traffic by planning which routes are less prone to traffic gridlocks.
Giditraffic, and other platforms provide information about traffic situations on Lagos roads. That would help navigate your way properly, avoid traffic congestions, and even thieves.

4. Inform your family, or friends, your likely return time home. That way, if you're stuck in traffic, or have a mechanical problem with your vehicle, help would come fast.

5. Have at least some basic tools in your car. Tools like sets of spanner(up to 20mm sized); screw drivers; a pair of pliers; jack and wheel spanner; and also a spare tyre.
Some cars don't just have spare tyres.
Some people enjoy taking such risks, driving without a spare tire.


CONCLUSION
Traffic gridlocks are not one can actually avoid. But with proper planning and religiously adhering to a scheduled maintenance system, and being security conscious, would ensure you stay safe humanly, and your car wise.



Regards,
Joseph