Blink, Don’t Honk! The Most Used Sign Languages for Drivers in Nigeria

Driving in Nigeria may be an exciting as well as challenging experience. To maintain efficiency and safety on the road, one needs to know some communication skills or signs due to the diverse traffic on the roads. Using hand gestures or sign languages is one of the most vital skills, and not only on honks.

Understanding and using these signs and gestures enhances your driving experience in Nigeria. Here are some of the top sign languages to master for drivers on Nigerian roads.

Headlight Flashing Lights:

Flashing your headlights is a common way of communicating your intentions to another driver such as overtaking, warning of a danger, or signalling at night. In the daytime, a quick flash of light could mean “thank you” for allowing someone in, but at night, it might mean “hey, watch out!” Flashes more than once may indicate “give way” or “you’re doing something wrong.” Understand the situation and adapt your response accordingly.

Hazard Lights:

When you tap your hazard lights quickly, you can alert other drivers to an impending stop or the urgent need to slow down. This is frequently used when there is a lot of traffic or when making sudden stops to avoid accidents.

Pointing Of Fingers:

Pointing your fingers can be used to indicate which way or direction you intend to go, especially when indicators might be less visible or overlooked. For instance, pointing forward may indicate that you want to go straight ahead, whereas pointing left or right may indicate an upcoming turn. A common way to convey frustration (or warn a pedestrian).

The Waving Of Hands:

A simple wave is a nice gesture that goes a long way. A quick raise of the hand and a smile are ways to thank someone for letting you in, for their patience, or to apologize for a minor mistake. A friendly wave can make the road more friendly and tension-free.

The Head Nod:

The head nod is a powerful gesture. A nodding of the head up and down can mean a “yes” or an “okay,” to show that you understand another driver’s signal or to confirm that you will wait or proceed, while a slow, deliberate nod can show respect or understanding. If you can master the head nod, you’re a real road champion from Nigeria.

Conclusion

Remember that there are many signs used on Nigerian roads; here are just a few. The most important skills are to use them to the best of your abilities, to be focused, and to be sensitive. Using these simple hand signals and gestures can make driving in Nigeria safer and more efficient. You can become a pro at navigating the congested roads with a little practice, and you might pick up a few new signs along the way.

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Happy driving!