-Deborah Akinyosoye
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has flagged off its 2024 Ember Months sensitization campaign with a call to action for passengers to speak up against dangerous driving.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed emphasized that road crashes claim more passenger lives than drivers’, highlighting the need for vigilance.
During the press conference in Abeokuta the Ogun state capital yesterday, Mohammed who was represented by the Ogun state FRCS Sector Commander, Mr Fasakin Akinwumi, noted that the ember months see extensive travel across Nigeria due to family reunions, festivals, and ceremonies. This results in heavy traffic, congestion, and road crashes.
To address these challenges, the FRSC has said it has placed enforcement on red alert to ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce road crashes, introduced dynamic approaches, including mega town hall meetings, motorcades, and advocacy at transit points.
Mohammed alao stressed that passengers have the right to safe transportation and should avoid distractions while traveling.
His words “Commanding Officers will engage commuters, ensuring familiarity with safety regulations and responsible driving practices.
“Ensuring a safer motoring environment is a collective responsibility, inviting stakeholders to collaborate in addressing road carnage. Motorists must maintain vehicles, obey traffic laws, and take responsibility for their actions.
“Our roads typically experience heavy traffic, congestion, road crashes, and regrettably, the loss of lives and properties. This situation is worsened by the reckless behaviors of some motorists, creating a distressing environment for travelers, government agencies, and stakeholders, including the FRSC.
“The Corps has intensified its efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce road crashes, and create a safer motoring environment nationwide.
“To achieve this, I have directed the immediate commencement of Mega Public Enlightenment, Sensitization Campaigns in all states, including the Federal Capital Territory while enforcement has been placed on red alert.
“On this note, the Corps has reassessed the state of road safety and traffic management in Nigeria, with a focus on reviewing and improving our strategies in all fronts.”