Thursday, 17 September 2015

The Nigerian Highway code compiled by the FRSC- 1

The Federal Road safety commission (FRSC) of Nigeria compiled this Highway Code to help all road users including cyclists to be more conversant about the types of roads I figured it will also be useful for cyclists too for us to be educated about our roads for safer and faster commuting. 

The Revised Highway Code

The ROAD
A road is a path established over land for
the passage of vehicles, people, and animals. It provides dependable pathway for moving people and goods from one place to another.
Roads are typically smooth, paved, or otherwise, prepared to allow easy travel. Historically many roads were simply traditional or local routes without any formal construction or maintenance. 

I. TYPES OF THE ROAD

Roads may be classified as: 
  • Private drive pathways 
  • Two-lane highways 
  • Dual carriageways 
  • Expressway 

Private Drive Pathways: 
These are roads owned, maintained or controlled by an individual, agency or organization.

Two-Lane Highways: 
These are the usual single carriageways. Traffic on two-lane highways normally flow in opposite direction on single lane. Two-lane
highways may be rural, urban, intra or intercity roads. 
Dual Carriageway: 
This is a road which has multiple lanes with traffic going in opposite direction. They may or may not be physically separated by non-passable dividers such as concrete barrier. 
Dual Carriageway
Dual Carriageway
Expressways: 
This is a specially designed and restricted highway divided with barriers which make traffic in opposite directions completely separated from each other. 


Expressways:
Expressways

II. INTERCHANGES


An interchange is a special intersection designed to enable road users cross, enter or leave the expressway without interfering with the flow of traffic. 
  • Private drive pathways 
  • Two-lane highways 
  • Dual carriageways 
  • Expressway 
Clover Leaf INTERCHANGE
Clover Leaf
Clover leaf interchange is designed to allow turning movement off or into the expressway from four directions using loop type connections. It eliminates left turn and traffic conflicts for all movements.
Diamond interchange
Diamond
A diamond interchange has four ramps, allowing vehicles to enter or leave the main highway while flowing with the traffic. Left turns are made after leaving the expressway. 
trumpet interchange
Trumpet
Trumpet interchanges provide access to the expressway at a 'T' intersection. 
Directional interchange
Directional
Directional interchange are used where high volume traffic desire to transfer off an interchange.

III. ROAD JUNCTIONS

A junction is the place where two or more roads meet. 
T -Junction
A. T -Junction 
This is a place where two roads meet in the shape of letter T. 
Y junction
B. Y-Junction 
This is a place where two roads meet in the form of letter Y. 
Cross road
C. Cross Road 
A cross road is the place where two roads meet and cross each other. It could be in the form of: 
  • A major road crossing a minor road; or
  • Two equal roads crossing each other.
D. Roundabout
A place where two or more roads meet, forming a circle that ensures that all traffic must go around in the same direction.
Rules of Using Round-about 
When approaching a roundabout:
  • Watch out for traffic already on it
  • Take special care to look out for cyclist or motorcyclist ahead or to the side
  • Give way to traffic on your left unless road marking indicates otherwise
  • Keep moving if the way is clear 
Picture
How to Negotiate a Round-about 

When turning right: 
Approach on the right-hand lane; keep to that lane in the roundabout and leave by the lane. Use the right turn indicator on approach and through the roundabout.

When going straight:
Approach on the right-hand lane; keep on that lane in the roundabout. Use the right turn indicator at the exit before the one to be taken.

If conditions dictate (fir example, if the right lane is blocked) aproach in the left hand lane, keep to thatlane in the roundabout.

You must signal your intention here to turn right. Enter with the left signal on.


When turning left:
Approach in the left hand lane; use the left turn indicator before entering the roundabout and maintain this signal while keeping to the left-hand lane. On approaching a round-about, maintain it until you leave the area. 


When making a U-turn:

  • Enter with the left signal on and keep going 
  • Before exit, change the signal to right 


Leaving the roundabout 
When going forward or turning left, always leave the roundabout in the left-hand lane of the exit road, unless conditions dictate the use of right-hand lane. 



Mind Other Vehicles 
When in a roundabout, look out for vehicles crossing in front of you to leave by the next exit. 


Going Through Intersection
Give way to traffic on the major road and drive through safely obeying posted signals like STOP or YIELD. Even if you are on the major road, always drive through the intersection as if other vehicles may be crossing or approaching. 


Hazard lights, also known as Emergency lights or "double trafficators" are not meant to signify going straight or crossing intersection and should not be used as such. They are STRICTLY for emergencies!

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