Did you know that by law, there are 5 important items The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) expects all motorists to have? Also, there are other items that are advisory for motorists, especially highway users, to have. You’ll find all of these in this article.
Here’s a list of the
MANDATORY items every motorist is expected to have:
1. Warning Triangle
The warning triangle is used by motorists when their vehicle breaks down. It should be placed 45 meters (147 feet) behind the vehicle on the same side of the road to warn other oncoming motorists.
2. Fire Extinguisher
There are two types of fire extinguishers: Dry powder or Liquid gas. Motorists are expected to carry a specified number of units and sizes, depending on their vehicle type.
Cars, Taxis and Light Goods Vans are expected to carry
1 unit 0f fire extinguisher–1kg;
Medium Buses should carry
1 unit of fire extinguisher–2kg;
Luxury Buses and Lorries carry
2units of fire extinguisher—6kg;
Articulated vehicles carry
2 units of fire extinguisher—9kg.
3. Spare Tyre
A vehicle owner is required under the FRSC law to carry a spare tyre in case of emergency. Emergency cases such as punctured tyre, damaged tube e.t.c
4. Vehicle Papers
It is mandatory for drivers to have the following documents with them: vehicle licence, road-worthiness, custom papers, and Insurance.
5. Drivers’ License
Of course it’s not news that every driver must have their drivers’ license with them.
*Parking Permit
For trucks or vehicles that transport cargo.
Here’s a list of the items FRSC
ADVISES motorists to always have with them on the highway:
1. Jack
This gadget is used for changing vehicle tyres when it is necessary to do so. Imagine having a punctured tyre on the highway without a jack in your car.
2. Wheel Spanner
The jack may be useless without the wheel spanner. The wheel spanner is used alongside the jack to unscrew wheel’s nut and tighten them when removing or replacing a tyre.
3. First Aid Kit
The knowledge of first aid for drivers/vehicle owners is as important as having a First Aid Kit in the vehicle. The First Aid Kit should contain items that can be used to attend to unforeseen road accidents before the rescue or ambulance arrives. The First Aid Kit is expected to contain the following: a pair of scissors, safety pins, iodine, cotton wool, handkerchiefs, plasters, adhesive tapes, bandages, disposal gloves, Aspirin/Paracetamol, Razor blade, splints, antibacterial soap, antiseptic, latex gloves/facial mask, petroleum jelly, and antibiotic ointment.
4. Spare Fan Belt
Drivers/vehicle owner should always carry a spare fan belt. The fan belt is a major part of the cooling system of the car. Since it’s a flexible synthetic rubber, it is prone to tear or cut unpredictably. Therefore, it’s important you keep a spare in the vehicle to avoid being stranded on the highway.
5. Transmission Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is the fluid used in vehicles with self shifting or automatic transmissions.
6. Hydraulic oil
A hydraulic fluid or hydraulic liquid is the medium by which power is transferred in hydraulic machinery
7. Torch Light
For when the vehicle breaks down on the highway at night. The torch light can also serve as an indicator by waving it so that other motorists using the highway can be notified that there’s a breakdown.
8. Water
Water, just in case the vehicle’s radiator acts up. You won’t have to walk miles looking for water.
