A Nigerian-born Uber driver has been sentenced to six years in prison after a fatal accident on a UK motorway — a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of driving while fatigued.
In what has become a sobering cautionary tale for ride-hailing drivers everywhere, Kolawole Erunkulu, a Nigerian taxi driver operating in the United Kingdom, has been handed a six-year jail sentence after he fell asleep at the wheel and killed a fellow motorist on the A23 in Surrey.
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17th August, at approximately 6:30am — a time when the human body is at its most vulnerable to sleep deprivation. Erunkulu, who had been driving for an extended period without adequate rest, lost consciousness behind the wheel, triggering a collision that claimed another man’s life.
What Happened?
According to reports, Erunkulu had been driving for prolonged hours — a common but extremely dangerous practice among some ride-hailing and taxi drivers who push through exhaustion in a bid to maximise earnings. That early Sunday morning, fatigue finally caught up with him in the most devastating way possible.
His vehicle veered off course on the A23 Surrey road, and the resulting crash proved fatal for the other motorist involved. Emergency services responded to the scene, but tragically, the victim could not be saved.
The Court’s Verdict
Following investigations and legal proceedings, Erunkulu was found guilty and sentenced to six years imprisonment by a UK court. The judge, in handing down the sentence, likely took into account the reckless decision to continue driving despite extreme fatigue — a choice that ultimately cost an innocent person their life.
A Wake-Up Call for Ride-Hailing Drivers in Nigeria and Beyond
This tragic story hits close to home for many Nigerians, particularly at a time when platforms like Uber, Bolt, and InDrive have become major sources of income for thousands of young Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
In Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other major cities, it is not uncommon to find drivers clocking in marathon shifts — sometimes 18 to 20 hours — in a desperate bid to meet daily targets, pay off car hire-purchase agreements, or simply survive the harsh economic realities of the day.
But as Erunkulu’s case painfully illustrates, no amount of money is worth gambling with human lives — including your own.
The Science Behind Drowsy Driving
Medical experts consistently warn that driving after being awake for 18 hours or more produces impairment similar to having a blood alcohol level of 0.05%. After 24 hours without sleep, that impairment mirrors a blood alcohol level of 0.10% — well above the legal drink-drive limit in most countries.
Simply put, a sleepy driver is as dangerous as a drunk driver.
Warning signs that you are too tired to drive include:
– Frequent yawning or blinking
– Difficulty keeping your eyes open
– Drifting between lanes
– Missing exits or traffic signs
– Feeling irritable or restless
If you experience any of these, pull over immediately and rest.
Lessons for Nigerian Uber and Bolt Drivers
Whether you are driving in London, Lagos, or Lekki, the lesson from this incident is universal:
1. Set a maximum shift limit — Experts recommend no more than 10 hours of driving per day
2. Take regular breaks — Rest for at least 15 minutes every two hours of driving
3. Never rely on coffee alone — Caffeine is a temporary fix, not a cure for sleep deprivation
4. Know when to log off — Your rating and earnings mean nothing if you are behind bars or six feet under
5. Communicate with your family — Let loved ones know your schedule so they can hold you accountable
Final Thoughts
Kolawole Erunkulu’s story is not one of malice — it is a story of a man who pushed himself too hard and paid an unimaginable price, taking an innocent life in the process. As he begins a six-year prison sentence far from home, his case should serve as a permanent reminder to every driver grinding behind the wheel: rest is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
To every Nigerian hustling on the road — whether in the UK, Canada, the US, or right here at home — please take care of yourself. No fare, no target, no bill is worth a life.
Drive safe. Rest well. Come home.
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