Uganda is one of the countries on the African continent with right handed vehicles and drive on the left. So in order to have a successful drive on Ugandan roads, there are various tips that one must adhere to and the following are the most striking ones;
Always drive with your headlights on, a car is visible for nearly 4 times the distance with its headlights on even during daytime hours.
When stopping at a stop sign, be sure to feel the car rock backward and spell S-T-O-P to yourself before proceeding.
Always turn your head to look left, then right, straight ahead, then left again before proceeding.
At Traffic Lights in Uganda: when a light turns green, look left, then right, straight ahead, then left again before proceeding through the light. Notice all vehicles and ensure that someone else is not going to run the light.
Keep your eyes moving. Notice what is happening on the sides of the road and check behind you through your mirrors every 6-8 seconds.
When driving on a two lane road that allows parking on the right, stay toward the center line to allow for room if someone were to open their door to exit their vehicle in front of your car. This forethought will help you from swerving to miss an opening door. If there is no parking allowed on the road position your car toward the right to allow for more room between you and oncoming traffic.
Expect the other drivers to make mistakes and think what you would do if a mistake does happen. For example, do not assume that a vehicle coming to a stop sign is going to stop. Be ready to react if it does not stop. Never cause an accident on purpose, even if a pedestrian or another vehicle fails to give you the right-of-way.
A rear-facing baby seat MUST NOT be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as in a crash it can cause serious injury or death to the child.
Do not drive when you’re tired as you will greatly increase your risk of collision. To minimize this risk make sure you are fit to drive. Do not begin a journey if you are tired. Get a good night’s sleep before embarking on a long journey Avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness is at a minimum Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended If you feel at all sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway The most effective ways to counter sleepiness are to drink, for example, two cups of caffeinated coffee and to take a short nap.
You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres. If you need to wear glasses to do this, you MUST wear them at all times while driving in Uganda. The Uganda Traffic police have the power to require you as a driver to undertake an eyesight test.
