Travelling by road during the Christmas Holiday can be hectic due to the gridlock of vehicles on major expressways. In Nigeria, officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) are mobilised to major highways to ensure that the roads are safe during the Yuletide.

 

Follow these guidelines to stay safe while travelling by road this holiday.

 

1. Buy your ticket before the departure date

 

This is important for people who intend to travel using commercial vehicles. Online ticketing is now available with road travel. Transport companies now provide platforms where you can book tickets and even seats before your departure dates.

 

Online ticket purchase is usually cheaper than buying over the counter. So take advantage of this platform to get your ticket on time, choose your seat and then get mentally ready for the trip ahead.

 

2. Pack your luggage a day before travelling

 

Some people have a habit of packing their luggage the morning of their journey. This habit is not advisable if you don’t want to forget the essential things you need to travel.

 

There are instances where people have to get down from the bus while the trip has started because they forgot something very important at home. You don’t want to be the reason your departure and arrival time was delayed. Pack your luggage a day before to avoid the proverbial stories that touch.

 

3. Leave early

 

Ensure you leave early; try to arrive at least an hour before your departure time. That way, you can get settled in the park, get breakfast or lunch depending on your departure time, use the restroom and so on. You should avoid tension at all cost this holiday, so leave your house on time to ensure you don’t miss your bus.

 

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4. Pay attention to the driver

 

Now that the bus is in motion, pay attention to the driver. The driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers, so he should be watched. Feel free to caution the driver if he is over speeding. Sometimes these drivers over speed as they want to get to their destination on time so as to embark on another trip. This holiday, know that your safety comes first, so be conscious of how the driver does his job, but don’t distract him in the process.

 

5. Be careful during stopovers

 

Usually, travellers stopover at designated places to eat, use the restroom or stretch their legs. Ensure that you don’t stop at lonely places. Passengers should comply with drivers and wait till they get to these designated places to buy food or use the toilet.

 

There have been incidents of robberies and motor accidents because of drivers parked at undesignated locations at passenger’s request.

 

There you have it guidelines that will aid your travelling this holiday. Ensure you stay safe this period.

 

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