HOW TO AVOID TRAFFIC IN LAGOS

LAGOS, as wonderful as it is, is unfortunately also known for its serious traffic jams.

Traffic jams are agitating, tiring and stressful, plus they’re a common occurrence.

If you’ve been to Lagos before, you’d know how annoying being stuck in traffic can be.

When travelling in the city, a lot of people find themselves at a standstill or trailing at snail-pace. However, I’ll have you know that with proper planning, adopting clever strategies and staying ahead of time can potentially make your journeys in and around Lagos smoother and quicker. So below are some handy tips and tricks to help you avoid traffic in Lagos.

1. Use Back Roads and Alternative Routes

Using back roads is a good way to dodge traffic, avoid long slow queues and get you ahead in line. Most experienced drivers know Lagos well and will often opt for alternative routes such as bridges, under-bridges, express ways and back roads.

2. Leave Early

This is a no brainer. The best way to avoid traffic in Lagos is to leave your house super early. Doing this will allow you to get to your destination in time with out having to face the traffic. Peak times tend to fall between 7AM to 9AM and 5PM to 7PM on the week days, so if you want to beat the traffic then it’s best you leave before those times.

3. Take an Okada

When there are serious traffic jams you tend to see people trekking or taking motorcycles (widely called ‘okada’). Okadas are small quick and compact and can easily glide in between cars. Also, with an okada, you will surely get to your destination on time, regardless of how bad the traffic is.

4. Get Familiar with Traffic Patterns

In order to know how to move accordingly, you have to be aware of special days and events which regularly take place, as this can also affect the traffic. Some major churches have special monthly events which impact the whole city. So in order not to get stuck on the roads, you can plan to leave your destination earlier.

5. Listen to the News

Local radio stations usually report on traffic in the city. This will provide you with information on which routes to take or avoid. It is also a good way to avoid ‘go slows’ (slow moving traffic). You can also watch the news but in this day and age, checking the internet or listening to the radio is usually the most effective way to receive news while you’re on the go.

— Lagos is one of the best cities in Nigeria but the traffic is a big problem. Do you have any tips on how to avoid traffic in Lagos?

Source: abayomiadisa.wordpress.com