Traffic Jams and Rainy Days: How to Stay Safe on Africa’s Most Challenging Roads

Driving in many African cities isn’t for the faint-hearted. Whether it’s Accra’s Spintex Road at rush hour, Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge during the morning crawl, Nairobi’s Uhuru Highway in the rain, Kampala’s Jinja Road after dark, or pothole-filled stretches in Lusaka and Harare, every trip tests your patience and your car.The rainy season adds another layer of difficulty. Flooded streets, hidden potholes, and unpredictable drivers make staying safe a daily mission. Here’s how to navigate these challenges and prepare financially for the unexpected.

1. Survive the Traffic Jams

Peak-hour traffic is a familiar scene across African capitals: long queues of cars, impatient drivers squeezing into every gap, and slow-moving buses.Tips that help everywhere:

• Keep a safe gap: A little space between you and the car ahead reduces the risk of low-speed crashes.
• Watch your engine temperature: Extended idling can overheat engines if stuck too long. Switch off the AC or idle in neutral.
• Plan: Traffic updates on the radio or Google Maps (available in many cities) can save you hours.
• Stay patient: Weaving through lanes or honking excessively won’t get you there faster.

2. Respect the Rain

Heavy rains often overwhelm drainage systems in African cities, flooding key routes Safety reminders:

• Avoid flooded sections: You can’t tell how deep the water is or what’s under it.
• Slow down: Wet asphalt doubles your stopping distance.
• Use headlights and hazards: Be more visible to others in heavy downpours.
• Test your brakes after water: Lightly tap them to dry them out.

3. Watch for Potholes and Rough Roads

Rough patches and potholes are common on roads from Adabraka in Accra to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, especially after the rains.Drive smarter by:

• Holding the wheel firmly: Sudden bumps can jolt your steering.
• Avoiding sudden swerves: If you can’t dodge a pothole safely, slow down before reaching it.
• Checking tyre pressure regularly: Well-inflated tyres handle road shocks better.

4. Master the Roundabouts

Large roundabouts like can feel chaotic during peak hours.Stay safe by:

• Yielding to cars already in the circle.
• Signaling early before your exit.
• Waiting for room to exit before entering.

5. Be Financially Ready for the Unexpected

Even careful drivers can’t control storms, road damage, or reckless motorists. A hidden pothole can crack a rim, and a rainy-day skid can lead to a fender bender.This is where car insurance matters. Maya’s monthly payment option makes it easier for African drivers to stay covered without saving up a big annual lump sum. Active insurance means you’re not left alone with repair bills after an unexpected incident.

Final Word

Driving in some African cities demands patience, alertness, and planning on the road and financially. Follow these safety tips, respect the weather, and ensure your insurance is always up to date.Drive smart. Stay calm. Stay covered.