By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige
In every organized society, simple rules exist to protect lives and maintain order. One of the most basic is obeying traffic lights. It is a small act, but it reflects discipline, responsibility, and respect for others on the road. Sadly, in Awka, this rule is often ignored—especially at the busy Lighthouse junction near the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat Complex by Alex Ekwueme Square, where traffic is heavy and movement is constant.
At this junction, it is not uncommon to see drivers blatantly disregard the red light. The moment the signal turns red, instead of stopping as required, some impatient drivers accelerate and force their way through the intersection. They do this without considering that other vehicles, who have the right of way, may already be moving. This kind of conduct is not just a minor traffic violation—it is reckless behavior that puts lives at serious risk.
Traffic lights are carefully designed to control movement and prevent confusion at intersections. Their timing ensures that vehicles from different directions move safely without conflict. The waiting time is usually brief, yet many drivers act as though it is too much to bear. But is a few seconds really worth the possibility of an accident?
Every person on the road has somewhere important to be. The driver waiting patiently beside you could be heading to work, a hospital, or a family emergency. Ignoring traffic lights shows not only disregard for the law but also a lack of respect for the lives and priorities of others.
Unfortunately, this impatience may lead to avoidable accidents. When two drivers from different directions both choose to ignore the red light, a collusion becomes almost certain. These incidents can result in injuries, loss of property, or even death. Yet, instead of accepting responsibility, many blame fate or unseen forces.
We must also understand that roads are unpredictable. What looks clear at a glance may not be safe. Traffic lights remove this uncertainty by guiding movement in an orderly way. Ignoring them creates chaos.
Awka, as a growing capital city, deserves better road behavior from its residents. Obeying traffic lights is not optional – it is a duty. We must all commit to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Let us cultivate patience, respect traffic regulations, and value human life above haste. If each driver makes a conscious effort to obey traffic lights, we will not only reduce accidents but also build a more disciplined and safer society.
Change begins with each driver choosing patience over haste and safety over recklessness. The change we seek does not begin with government alone—it begins with us.
Sylvia is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
