Press Release

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/essential-public-safety-precautions-for-drivers-and-road-users

Road safety is critical in ensuring that everyone from drivers to pedestrians can navigate their
environments safely. Increasing traffic, technological distractions, and varying road conditions all
contribute to potential hazards, making it essential to understand and follow key precautions. Here
are some important safety tips that everyone should consider to reduce the risks on the road.

    1. Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions:

One of the leading causes of accidents is driver distraction. With smartphones, in-car
entertainment systems, and even complex dashboards, it’s easy to lose focus on the road.
Avoid Phone Use: Refrain from using mobile phones or any handheld devices while driving. If
necessary, use hands-free features or pull over safely.
Limit In-Car Distractions: Adjust the GPS, radio, and climate controls before you start driving or
when stopped.

    2. Follow Speed Limits and Adjust for Conditions:

Speed limits are designed to maximize safety for everyone on the road. Exceeding these
limits can result in serious accidents, especially under difficult conditions.
Observe Speed Limits: Always follow posted speed limits, as they are set based on the area
and traffic density.
Adjust for Weather and Road Conditions: Slow down in adverse weather conditions such as
rain, fog, snow, or icy roads, where traction and visibility may be limited.

    3. Use Seat Belts and Restraints:

Seat belts save lives. They are essential not only for drivers but also for passengers, as they
significantly reduce the risk of injury during a collision.
Buckle Up: Ensure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt before starting the
journey.
Use Child Safety Seats: For children, use the appropriate car seats and make sure they’re
installed correctly to provide the best protection.

    4. Drive Defensively and Stay Aware:

Defensive driving helps you anticipate and avoid potential hazards, reducing the likelihood
of accidents.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Keeping a safe distance allows you to react to sudden
stops or changes in traffic flow.
Be Aware of Blind Spots: Regularly check your mirrors and blind spots, especially when
changing lanes or merging.

    5. Avoid Driving Under the Influence:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs reaction times and
judgment.
Never Drive Impaired: If you’ve consumed alcohol or any substances that impair your
driving ability, find an alternative mode of transport.
Be Cautious of Prescription Medications: Some medications may cause drowsiness or
impair cognitive functions. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about possible side
effects related to driving.

    6. Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Awareness:

Pedestrians and cyclists share the roads and deserve equal attention from drivers.
Yield to Pedestrians: Always stop at crosswalks and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Watch for Cyclists: Give cyclists adequate space on the road and check for them before
opening car doors when parked.

    7. Practice Regular Vehicle Maintenance:

Well-maintained vehicles are less likely to encounter problems that could lead to
accidents.
Check Tires, Brakes, and Lights Regularly: Regularly inspect tires, brakes, and lights to
ensure they’re functioning optimally.
Schedule Regular Servicing: Stick to a regular servicing schedule for your vehicle to address
any mechanical issues before they become hazards.

    8. Be Cautious Around School Zones and Residential Areas:

Residential areas and school zones often have lower speed limits and increased foot traffic,
especially with children.
Observe Reduced Speed Limits: Always adhere to posted speed limits in these areas.
Be Ready to Stop: Be prepared to stop for pedestrians, especially young children who may
not always be aware of their surroundings.

    9. Practice Patience and Courtesy:

Aggressive driving, including speeding, tailgating, and cutting off other drivers, is dangerous
and increases the risk of accidents.
Stay Calm: Patience reduces the likelihood of accidents and creates a safer driving
environment.
Allow Others to Merge and Change Lanes Safely: Give other drivers space and avoid
competing for road positions.

    10. Stay Informed on Road Safety Practices:

New traffic laws and road safety features are introduced regularly. Staying informed ensures
that you’re up-to-date on the best safety practices.

Keep Learning: Take the time to read up on any new road safety guidelines or technologies.

Safety on the road is a shared responsibility among drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. By
observing these basic precautions, we can help create safer road environments for everyone.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or simply crossing the street, remember that a few extra moments
of caution can prevent accidents and save lives.

How Hilann Ride Implements Key Safety Precautions for Drivers and Passengers

As a new player in the rideshare industry, Hilann Ride is dedicated to providing a safe, reliable, and
comfortable transportation experience for all its users. Recognizing the vital role that safety plays in
passenger transport, Hilann Ride has implemented several key precautions and safety measures
that align with best practices in the industry. Here’s a look at how Hilann Ride prioritizes safety for
both its drivers and passengers.

Focused and Distraction-Free Driving:
Hilann Ride understands the importance of maintaining focus on the road. To support
drivers, the company has integrated policies and in-app features that minimize distractions.

In-App GPS and Route Assistance: Drivers have access to reliable, built-in GPS navigation
to help them stay on course without needing to switch between devices.

Phone Use Policies: Hilann Ride encourages drivers to use hands-free devices and limits
non-essential app interactions while the vehicle is in motion, keeping distractions to a
minimum.

Speed Limit Adherence and Adjusted Driving for Conditions:
Driving safely means adapting to speed limits and road conditions. Hilann Ride trains its
drivers to prioritize these elements and provides real-time assistance.

In-App Speed Monitoring: Hilann Ride’s app includes speed monitoring alerts, which notify
drivers if they exceed the posted speed limit, ensuring safer driving practices.

Weather and Condition Alerts: Hilann Ride’s app provides weather-related warnings and
notifications, reminding drivers to adjust their speed and driving style during adverse
conditions like rain, fog, or snow.

Seat Belt Policy for Drivers and Passengers:
Hilann Ride is committed to ensuring that both drivers and passengers wear seat belts
throughout their journeys.

Seat Belt Reminders: Before each trip begins, passengers receive an in-app prompt to
fasten their seat belts, while drivers are also encouraged to remind passengers to buckle
up.

Child Safety Accommodations: Hilann Ride supports parents by allowing them to request a
vehicle equipped with appropriate child safety seats for added protection.

Defensive Driving Training for Drivers:
Hilann Ride emphasizes defensive driving through mandatory training programs that
enhance driver awareness and reaction skills.

Defensive Driving Course: All Hilann Ride drivers undergo a comprehensive defensive
driving course, which covers safe following distances, hazard awareness, and blind spot
checks.

Driver Refresher Sessions: To ensure continuous improvement, Hilann Ride offers periodic
refresher courses on defensive driving to address new road challenges and reinforce best
practices.

Zero Tolerance for Impaired Driving:
Hilann Ride has a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to impaired driving, ensuring a
safe environment for all passengers.

Regular Driver Screenings: Hilann Ride conducts periodic screenings to ensure its drivers
are not under the influence of any impairing substances.

Partnerships with Safe Driving Initiatives: The company collaborates with local agencies to
raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and provides support for drivers who
need to manage any prescription medications that could affect their performance.

Respect for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety:
Hilann Ride drivers are trained to respect all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists,
who share the roadways.

Yielding and Crosswalk Awareness: Drivers receive training on yielding to pedestrians at
crosswalks and giving cyclists adequate space on the road, making for a safer experience
for everyone.

Enhanced In-City Navigation: Hilann Ride’s app highlights high-pedestrian zones, such as
school zones and intersections, to help drivers approach these areas with extra caution.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Standards:
A well-maintained vehicle is essential for safe driving. Hilann Ride prioritizes vehicle upkeep
through rigorous standards for its fleet.

Regular Vehicle Inspections: Hilann Ride requires each vehicle to undergo regular
inspections covering critical safety components like brakes, tires, and lights.

Maintenance Reminders: Drivers receive automatic maintenance reminders in the app to
help them stay on top of routine servicing and address any issues promptly.

Special Precautions in School Zones and Residential Areas:
Drivers are encouraged to exercise extra caution in high-risk areas, including school zones
and residential neighbourhoods.

Automatic Speed Reminders: Hilann Ride’s app provides reminders to drivers when entering
school zones or areas with lower speed limits, helping them slow down and prioritize the
safety of residents and children.

Safe Zone Training: Hilann Ride drivers are trained on the unique hazards associated with
residential and school areas, ensuring they stay alert and prepared to react to unexpected
situations.

Emphasis on Patience, Courtesy, and Professionalism:
Hilann Ride’s drivers are trained to uphold a high standard of courtesy and professionalism,
creating a safer, more pleasant environment for all road users.

Training on Road Courtesy: Hilann Ride emphasizes the importance of patience and
consideration on the road, helping reduce the likelihood of aggressive driving or road rage
incidents.

Customer Feedback System: Passengers are encouraged to provide feedback on driver
behaviour, and Hilann Ride takes this feedback seriously to ensure drivers maintain
courteous, professional conduct.

Commitment to Ongoing Safety Education and Innovation:
As technology and safety practices evolve, Hilann Ride remains committed to adapting to
these changes and promoting a culture of safety.

Regular Updates on Road Safety Practices: Hilann Ride provides its drivers with updates on
any new road safety guidelines and encourages them to stay informed on best practices.

Use of Advanced Technology: The company is exploring opportunities to integrate new
safety technologies into its operations, such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
and real-time monitoring to further enhance safety.

Addressing Local Road Infrastructure Challenges:
Nigeria’s road conditions can vary significantly, especially between urban and rural areas,
with issues like potholes, poor lighting, and inconsistent road signs.

Road Condition Warnings: Hilann Ride’s app could provide drivers with real-time
information about road conditions to help them navigate safely.

Vehicle Durability Standards: Hilann Ride could enforce high vehicle standards to ensure
that vehicles are capable of handling Nigeria’s road conditions safely, particularly in areas
with uneven or poorly maintained roads.