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By Ige Adekunle
As yelitide as the attendant increased traffic and human movement beckon in the country, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Sango-Ota Unit Command in Ogun, has warned motorists against speeding and overloading as the year is winding to an end.
Mr Akeem Ganiyu, the Commander of the unit, gave the warning at the 2022 Annual Public Enlightenment Campaign at Iju Tipper garage on Thursday in Sango It’s, Ogun state.
Our Correspondent reports that the 2022 campaign has as its theme: “Avoid Speeding, Overloading and Unsafe Tyres to Arrive Alive”, organised by the FRSC in collaboration with Shell Nigeria Gas Limited.
Ganiyu said that the warning became necessary to stem road accidents and the rate of fatalities, especially during the ember months.
“There is the need to intensify aggressive public enlightenment, especially from August till date as business activities, vehicles and human movement increase, thus, making the highways more busier,’’ he said.
The unit commander identified speeding, overloading, use of unsafe Tyres, drunk-drinking, use of cell phones while driving and dangerous driving, as some of the human factors that contributed to the highest percentage of road accidents.
Ganiyu described speeding as the key risk factor responsible for road accidents, which increases both the likelihood of an accidents and injuries.
The unit commander also advised those concerned to refrain from overloading as overloaded vehicles threaten road safety and also contributes to many fatal accidents on our highways.
“Overloading makes the vehicle to be less stable, causes the tyres to overheat, wear rapidly, and the whole suspension system comes under stress, among other risks.
“We are, therefore, appealing to motorists to change their attitudes and desist from overloading at parks and terminals to prevent mishaps on the roads,’’ Ganiyu said.
Earlier, the Ogun Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Ahmed Umar, said that during the ember months, more accidents occurred as motorists were always in a hurry to make more profits.
Umar, represented by the Deputy Corps Commander of FRSC, Istifamus Ibrahim, said that there was likely to be an increase in road accidents during this period due to increase in human and vehicular movements.
The sector commander reiterated the corps’ commitment to eradicate road accidents and make the highways safer for the motoring public before, during and after the ember months.
Mr Adekunle Ajibad, the Sango-Ota Area Commander, Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) in Ogun, urged motorists to exercise patience and adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to reduce tragedy on the roads.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.