Danger on Three Wheels: The Rising Menace of Careless Tricycle Driving in Warri

In the bustling streets of Warri, Delta State, where the blare of horns and the rumble of engines form an unending urban symphony, a new threat is rapidly emerging — the reckless driving habits of commercial tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke riders.

Keke, once seen as a safer and more affordable alternative to motorcycles (okadas), tricycles have become a dominant mode of transportation in Delta State and in Warri in particular. Their ability to meander through traffic, navigate narrow streets, and offer quick rides has made them critical. However, many residents are now voicing concern over the increasingly dangerous behavior of some Keke drivers.

CHAOS ON THE ROADS

From Airport Road to Enerhen Junction, it is a common sight: tricyclists running red lights, ignoring traffic regulations, overtaking at blind corners, and turning abruptly without signaling. Passengers, pedestrians, and other road users often bear the brunt of these risky maneuvers.

“I was crossing the road at Okumagba Avenue when a Keke almost ran me over,” said Mrs. Nancy Oghenekaro, a local fashion designer. “He was speeding and didn’t even try to slow down. I had to jump back.”

Residents like Mrs. Oghenekaro are not alone in their experiences. Hospital records from several clinics around Warri show a spike in minor accidents and injuries linked to tricycles. Most victims are pedestrians or passengers thrown out during sudden swerves or collisions.

DRIVERS IN A HHURRY, SAFETY IN JEOPARDY

Many Keke riders blame the economy for their haste. “We have to hustle,” said Daniel Efe, a 28-year-old tricyclist operating around Udu Road. “If I don’t make enough trips in a day, how do I buy fuel, balance the owner or feed my family?”

This "hustle mentality" has turned many drivers into daredevils. With little to no formal training, and in some cases, no valid driver’s license, many operators see the roads as a free-for-all zone where the fastest and most aggressive driver wins.

Worse still, enforcement by traffic authorities remains weak. “There’s little monitoring of these riders,” noted Mr. Ifechukwude Ijeoma, a retired road safety officer. “You see underage boys operating Kekes, or drivers with multiple traffic violations still plying the roads freely. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

PASSENGERS SPEAK OUT

The recklessness has not gone unnoticed by commuters. Akpobi, a student of Delta State University, recounts a terrifying experience: “The driver was pressing his phone while driving and almost collided with a bus. We screamed, but he just laughed and kept going.”

Some passengers now avoid tricycles altogether. “If I can find a mini-bus or even walk, I’ll do that,” said an elderly man at Effurun Roundabout. “These Keke riders don’t value human lives.”

“The recent accident involving a Julius Berger truck and a broken down trailer which led to some deaths was caused by a Keke rider” revealed Okiemute Amos, a Vulcaniser. “They are always in a hurry and they don’t value human lives” Amos added.

SEEKING SOLUTIONS

Worried by the situation, experts and community leaders are calling for urgent intervention. They want a mandatory driver training and licensing, routine traffic monitoring and stricter penalties for traffic violations, public awareness campaigns on road safety, creating designated tricycle routes to reduce road congestion,

The Delta State Government  has acknowledged the problem, with plans to enforce stricter traffic compliance. The Government has promised to engage with unions and enforcement agencies. However, until concrete action is taken, residents remain vulnerable.

As Warri continues to grow and urbanize, the need for safe, reliable transportation is more important than ever. Tricycles may be here to stay, but so too must be a culture of responsibility and care on the roads.