By correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ramped up efforts to enhance traffic management, reduce road accidents, and create a safer driving environment across the country.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made this announcement during a press briefing to kick off the 2024 Ember Months Campaign in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday in Abuja.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers Than Drivers.”
Represented by the FRSC FCT Sector Commander, Mr. Chorrie Muta’a, the Corps Marshal revealed that the initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing road accidents and fatalities during the Ember Months period.
Mohammed stressed the significance of the Ember Months, noting that it is a time when Nigerians travel extensively for family reunions, festivals, and ceremonies, leading to heavier traffic on the roads.
This often results in increased congestion, accidents, and regrettably, the loss of lives and properties.
“The reckless behavior of some motorists exacerbates the situation, creating a dangerous environment for travelers and compounding the challenges for government agencies, including the FRSC.
“In response, the Corps has initiated a nationwide public enlightenment and sensitization campaign, which will be complemented by heightened enforcement measures across the country, including the FCT.
“We have reassessed the state of road safety in Nigeria and are reviewing our strategies to address these issues comprehensively. Our goal is not only to improve driver behavior but also to position Nigeria as a safety-conscious nation on the global stage,” Mohammed said.
Despite facing significant challenges, the FRSC has redefined its approach to road safety. Key elements of this strategy include dynamic public education campaigns, town hall meetings, motorcades, and advocacy in transit areas, rest stops, and loading bays.
“We are focusing on empowering passengers to assert their rights and contribute to safer travel. It’s a fact that more passengers are killed in road traffic crashes than drivers. This campaign encourages them to speak up and hold drivers accountable,” he added.
The Corps Marshal emphasized that both driver behavior and passengers’ indifference to reckless driving are major contributors to road accidents. To tackle this, the FRSC aims to educate passengers on their rights to safe travel, emphasizing that they should not tolerate reckless driving or unsafe conditions.
“The agreement between driver and passenger is simple: the driver’s responsibility is to get the passenger to their destination safely. Passengers have the right to travel without fear of injury, death, or harassment,” Mohammed stated.
He directed Commanding Officers to engage commuters actively, ensuring they are aware of safety regulations, the importance of seatbelt use, and their role in reporting reckless driving.
“The task of reducing road traffic crashes is a collective one,” he concluded. “Motorists must take responsibility for their actions, obey traffic laws, and maintain their vehicles. By doing so, we can ensure safer roads for all.”
The FRSC Corps Marshal urged all relevant stakeholders in the road transport sector to collaborate with the Corps in the ongoing battle against road carnage, stressing the importance of proactive measures to prevent accidents and protect lives.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
