By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Tuesday inaugurated a unified approach to tackle the high incidence of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) in the country.
Speaking at the nationwide launch of an enhanced safety campaign in Abuja, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed stressed the importance of cooperation among all sectors of society.
Mohammed, however, maintained that road safety remains the responsibility of every individual; therefore, everyone must be ready to face this scourge.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FRSC has organised a two-day management retreat and press conference in all states to address road safety issues and has launched a campaign against RTCs.
Mohammed said the campaign, whose theme is “Retooling the FRSC for organisational effectiveness, from policy formulation to strategic implementation”, is focusing on several fronts; from stricter enforcement of the law to better public awareness.
He, however, pointed out that road accidents are the leading cause of death among young people globally and in Nigeria as a whole.
According to him, Nigeria, which has the most populous youth group in Africa, risks untold losses if road safety does not improve.
“Road accidents are the leading cause of death among young people.
“If we do not work together to alleviate this scourge, we are putting our future at risk.
“All stakeholders, whether government officials, automobile manufacturers, engineers or road users, have a role to play in making our roads safer,” he said.
Mohammed said that with a programme of mega-town meetings, processions and parades at traffic camps across Nigeria, the Corps aimed to directly engage road users to promote a safety-oriented culture.
In his welcome address, the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the Ember Months 2024 campaign was unique.
Ogungbemide said its focus on passengers’ rights and the opportunity to raise concerns about reckless driving and other traffic violations set it apart.
“This year’s campaign is unique. We are not only focusing on educating drivers, but also informing passengers of their rights and encouraging them to report reckless driving.
“FRSC’s focus this season is also to expand outreach beyond traditional methods such as fleet visits,” he said.
