FRSC to Passengers: Speak up against dangerous driving
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has charged passengers to always to speak up against dangerous driving.
The advice was given during a press conference in Damaturu by Deputy Corp Commander Idris Danladi, as part of activities for the flag-off of the 2024 Ember Months sensitisation campaign by Yobe State Command of the FRSC.
Danladi said it was important for passengers to caution reckless drivers as they will be the worst victims in case of any traffic crash.
“Crashes kill more passengers than drivers”, he added, saying that the campaign is targeted at changing the attitude of drivers to embrace road safety culture while on the road.
According to him, this change in attitude is necessary so as to position Nigeria as a safety-conscious nation.
He said it was important for drivers to be extra careful during the ember months because of the increase in the volume of traffic as families move about for festivities, meetings and ceremonies.
“As a result of that, our roads typically experience heavy traffic, congestion, road crashes, and regrettably, the loss of lives and properties.
“This situation is worsened by the reckless behaviours of some motorists, creating a distressing environment for travelers, government agencies, and stakeholders, including the FRSC.
“To achieve this, we are directed to commence mega public enlightenment, and sensitisation campaigns in all states, including the Federal Capital Territory.”
The Deputy Commander said that the FRSC has, therefore, intensified efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce road crashes, and create a safer motoring environment nationwide.
He noted that the corps has reassessed the state of road safety and traffic management in Nigeria, with focus on reviewing and improving strategies in all fronts.
“These efforts are being made despite the significant challenges the corps faces as the government agency responsible for road safety.
“So, we have revised our public education strategy, introducing new dynamic approaches. These include mega town hall meetings, motorcades, transit, rest areas, and loading bays advocacy.”
Danladi said that the corps would engage passengers and encourage them to assert their rights, to curb drivers’ excesses.
“It is on record that more passengers are killed in road traffic crashes than drivers. Hence the need to take up the responsibility of being more vigilant while on transit.
“The core of this approach is to curve the alarming number of road traffic crashes in Nigeria, which claim many lives. While various factors contribute to these crashes, driver’s behaviour and passengers’ indifference to reckless driving are major contributors,” Danladi said.
