By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce road crashes, and create a safer motoring environment.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, stated this during a press conference to mark the 2024 Ember Month Campaign in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday in Abuja.
The theme of the event is “Make your voice heard against dangerous driving: more passengers die in accidents than drivers.”
Mr Chorrie Muta’a, Director of FRSC, represented by the Sector Commander FRSC FCT, disclosed that the measure was part of an overall strategy to reduce road accidents and fatalities during the hot months.
Mohammed said: “You all know that the hot months are a time when Nigerians travel a lot around the country.
He said this was largely due to the importance of the season which provides opportunities for family reunions, celebrations, gatherings and ceremonies.
“Our roads therefore often witness heavy traffic, congestion, road accidents and unfortunately loss of lives and property.
“This situation is aggravated by the reckless behaviour of some drivers, creating a disturbing environment for commuters, government agencies and stakeholders, including the FRSC.
“It is against this backdrop that the Corps has intensified its efforts to ensure smooth flow of traffic, reduce road accidents and create a safer traffic environment across the country.
“To achieve this, I have ordered the immediate launch of a major public information and sensitisation campaign in all states, including the FCT, while law enforcement agencies have been put on alert,” he said.
The FRSC boss said the Corps has reassessed the state of road safety and traffic management in Nigeria, focusing on reviewing and improving our strategies on all fronts.
Mohammed said these new policies are not only aimed at improving the road transport sector through changing driver behaviour, but also positioning Nigeria as a safety conscious nation in the global community.
He said: “This effort is being made despite the significant challenges faced by the Corps as a government agency responsible for road safety.”
“In this context, we have reviewed our public education strategy and introduced new dynamic approaches.
“These include mega-town meetings, caravans, traffic, rest areas and loading dock defense.
“This strategy was born out of the need to engage passengers and encourage them to assert their rights, thereby putting an end to the excesses of motorists, as it has been found that more passengers die in road accidents than drivers.”
Therefore, it is necessary to take responsibility for being more attentive to the direction”, he said.
The FRSC Marshal said this approach was based on the alarming number of road accidents in Nigeria that have claimed many lives, adding that several factors contributed to these accidents.
Mohammed insisted that the behavior of drivers and the indifference of passengers towards reckless driving are the main causes of road accidents in the country.
“To implement this approach, we focus on re-educating passengers and helping them understand their rights.
“The agreement between driver and passenger is clear: the driver must ensure that the passenger arrives safely at their destination. Passengers have the right not to be injured, killed, harassed or have their rights violated.
“By giving more power to passengers, we want to reduce the number of traffic accidents.
“Commanders have been asked to actively engage with passengers, ensuring they are aware of safety rules, reporting any reckless driving, wearing seat belts and encouraging responsible driving.
“Passengers should avoid distractions and contribute to the safe use of the road. Because passengers are often the ones most affected by traffic accidents and that is why they need to start talking,” he said.
The FRSC boss assured that the Corps would fully discharge its responsibility to educate all road users as he believes that by imparting adequate knowledge, the Corps can reduce accidents, injuries and deaths.
He emphasized that the task of ensuring a safer transport environment in Nigeria is an essential and collective responsibility.
He urged relevant stakeholders in the road transport sector to work with the Corps to combat road carnage.
He said: “Drivers are expected to take full responsibility for their actions and inactions on the road by maintaining their vehicles and complying with the Highway Code and other road rules.
“We must take proactive steps to spread hope, not fear, when we use our streets, because the consequences of our actions or inaction will be severe if we do not address these challenges,” he said.
