Expert Trains Corporate Drivers On Improving Road Safety Through Effective Vehicle Maintenance

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

Mr. Jide Owatunmise, the Nigeria Country Director, Driving Schools and Safety Alliance Africa (DSSAA) and Registrar/Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy has said, research shows that vehicle condition plays a crucial role in determining crash severity, adding that effective vehicle maintenance is a critical strategy for reducing accidents, improving road safety, and saving lives.

Owatunmise made the declaration at a training programme organised for drivers of Afrinvest (West Africa) Nigeria Limited with the theme; ‘Vehicle Technology, Vehicle Mechanics, Maintenance and Dynamics’, stressing that road safety remains one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century.

According to him, records from the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), shows road traffic crashes cause approximately 1.19 million deaths annually and are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29, while factors such as human error, poor road infrastructure, and inadequate traffic regulations contribute to these accidents, he averred.

Noting that research shows that vehicle condition plays a crucial role in determining crash severity and likelihood (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], 2022). Effective vehicle maintenance, therefore, is a critical strategy for reducing accidents, improving road safety, and saving lives.

Owatunmise while speaking about the role of vehicle maintenance in road safety refers to regular inspection, servicing, and repair of vehicles to ensure their safe and efficient operation. Poorly maintained vehicles according him are more likely to suffer mechanical failures that contribute to accidents, citing defective brakes, worn-out tires, and faulty steering systems are leading causes of road crashes.
Speaking further, he said, “researches have shown that mechanical failures account for 24% of road accidents in Nigeria, with tyre and brake defects being the most common issues.

“Similarly, a Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) report highlighted that over 8% of crashes in Nigeria in 2021 were linked to vehicle mechanical deficiencies (FRSC, 2022). These statistics demonstrate that preventive maintenance has a direct impact on crash reduction.” He added.

He pointed out the following aspects of vehicle maintenance as very important; brake Systems, leading to brake failures are among the deadliest mechanical issues on the road. Studies show that vehicles with defective brakes are 45% more likely to be involved in fatal crashes.

Routine brake inspections and timely replacement of worn pads, discs, and hydraulic fluids can drastically reduce such risks, he said.

He pointed out that tyre and Wheel alignment are critical to preventing tyre blowouts and tread separation cause thousands of crashes annually. The U.S. Department of Transportation (2021) found that 9% of crashes related to mechanical failure were caused by tyre issues.
Advocating for regular tyre pressure checks, wheel balancing, and replacement of worn tyres to help maintain grip and stability, especially on wet or uneven roads.

On faulty headlights, brake lights, and indicators, Owatunmise said it reduces visibility and increase crash risks, particularly at night.

Quoting data from the European Road Safety Observatory (2022), it shows that poor lighting conditions contribute to 35% of night-time crashes.

Regular replacement of bulbs and cleaning of headlamps enhances driver visibility and communication with other road users, he pointed out.

He explained that a vehicle with worn-out suspension or steering components can easily lose control at high speeds or during sudden maneuvers, saying preventive servicing ensures better handling and stability, thereby reducing collision risks.
While not directly linked to accidents, engine maintenance prevents sudden breakdowns on highways, which can create hazards. In addition, well-maintained engines reduce emissions, contributing to environmental and public health benefits, Owatunmise asserts.

He maintained that the regular maintainance of vehicles will reduce traffic accidents, pointing out that countries that enforce strict vehicle inspection systems report up to 20% fewer road crashes (OECD/ITF, 2020.

A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to suffer catastrophic failures that cause severe injuries or deaths, asserting that road accidents cost countries between 3–5% of their GDP annually (World Bank, 2022).

Preventive maintenance reduces repair costs, medical bills, and economic losses.

Properly maintained vehicles, according to Owatunmise will emit fewer pollutants, supporting cleaner air and sustainable transport.

He therefore advised that there should be mandatory vehicle inspections with government enforcing annual or bi-annual roadworthiness tests to ensure vehicles meet safety standards.