5 clever ways to outsmart Lagos traffic
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Beating traffic in Lagos can feel like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded, challenging but not impossible! Here are five ways to make your commute less of a nightmare:
1. Start Your Day Before the Sun Does
Who needs sleep when you can beat traffic? Leaving your house before dawn might sound extreme, but think of it as getting a head start on the rest of Lagos. You’ll breeze through the roads while everyone else is still hitting snooze. Sure, you might feel like a creature of the night, but at least you’ll be ahead of the pack.
2. Embrace the *Okada* Life
Consider trading your car for an okada. Sure, it’s risky, and you’ll need to channel your inner action hero, but nothing slices through traffic like a motorbike.
Motorcycles, also known as okadas are the unofficial kings of Lagos streets. They can weave through gridlock with the agility of a professional stunt driver. If you’re brave enough to hop on one, you’ll cut your commute time in half. Just remember, helmets are a must, and a little prayer doesn’t hurt either!
3. Google Maps as Your Co-Pilot:
In Lagos, Google Maps isn’t just an app; it’s a survival tool. With traffic that can turn a 15-minute drive into a two-hour ordeal, you need all the help you can get. Google Maps offers real-time traffic updates, reroutes, and even estimated arrival times. Follow its advice religiously, but be prepared for the occasional “Are you sure this is a road?” Make it work for you and you might just find yourself shaving precious minutes off your commute—or at least discovering parts of Lagos you never knew existed.
4. The Great Third Mainland Bridge Gamble
The Third Mainland Bridge is Lagos’ longest bridge and on some days, it’s a speedway, and you’ll feel like you’re in a Fast & Furious movie, zipping across with the wind in your hair. But on other days, it’s more like a parking lot, where you can catch up on your favourite podcast, finish your breakfast, and still have time to contemplate life—all without moving an inch.
5. Befriend a Danfo Driver:
Danfo drivers are the unofficial kings of Lagos roads, they know every trick in the book and can navigate through traffic like it’s child’s play.
If you can strike up a friendship with a danfo driver, you might just gain access to their secret knowledge. Ride along, and you’ll witness them pull off manoeuvres that defy the laws of traffic and sometimes even physics. Plus, you’ll have a front-row seat to the real Lagos, narrated by someone who knows every inch of it..
Remember, while traffic may be an unavoidable part of life in Lagos, a proactive approach can make the journey a bit smoother and a lot less stressful.
