The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says addressing underage driving requires a multi-faceted approach.

Corps commander Kehinde Hamzat, Lagos State sector commander, FRSC, made the assertion in an interview with journalists in Lagos.

He said such an approach would involve effective law enforcement, education and community engagement.

Mr Hamzat also said it would involve consideration of socio-economic factors.

He noted that the National Road Traffic Regulation specified that drivers must possess a valid licence appropriate for the type of vehicle they would be operating.

According to him, in Nigeria, the legal age for driving a vehicle depends on the type of vehicle. He said the minimum age for driving standard cars was 18 years.

“Twenty-six years of age is the minimum requirement for driving articulated vehicles in Nigeria,” he said.

The sector commander called for increased public awareness campaigns about the dangers of underage driving.

He also urged the provision of more comprehensive driver education and training programmes, especially for those driving large vehicles.

“There is also a need to encourage community involvement to encourage reporting of violations and educating of people on road safety to curb underage driving,” he said.

He disclosed that underage drivers often lacked the experience and maturity to handle large and complex vehicles.

According to him, this can lead to higher risks of accidents, endangering not only the lives of the driver but also the lives of other road users.

Mr Hamzat noted that underage driving had legal, safety, social and economic implications.

“For legal implications, underage drivers operate without licences and avoid insurance policies, and these can result in a criminal record.

“The safety implications have to do with increased accident risk, endangering passengers’ lives, and less likelihood to recognise and respond appropriately to the needs of pedestrians and cyclists.

“On social implications, underage driving can be influenced by peer pressure, promoting a culture of irresponsible behaviour among teens and resulting in a heightened concern for neighbourhood safety. It also leads to stress.

“The economic implications have to do with increased costs, loss of opportunities and loss of public resources,” he said.

The FRSC boss recommended measures to ensure that only mature and experienced drivers operate articulated vehicles.

He listed the measures as strict licensing requirements, enforcement of minimum age policy, mandated advanced training programme and continual assessment.

He expressed the hope that implementing the strategies would promote road safety by ensuring that only mature and skilled drivers would operate articulated vehicles.

(NAN)