The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a strong warning to motorists and road users across the country against distracted driving and the life-threatening act of scooping fuel from fallen tankers. The warning comes as part of the Corps’ ongoing 2025 Ember Months Safety Sensitisation Campaign aimed at curbing road crashes and promoting safety consciousness during the high-risk travel season.
The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, delivered the message on Wednesday in Abuja during the continuation of the nationwide campaign. Represented by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Olusegun Ogungbemide, Mohammed said that the sensitisation programme was designed to directly engage road users on safe driving practices as the year draws to an end.
According to him, the Ember Months—October to December—often witness an increase in road traffic, reckless driving, and avoidable crashes. The FRSC, he said, is determined to reverse this trend through aggressive public enlightenment, enforcement, and community collaboration.
“This year’s campaign is focused on discouraging distracted driving and promoting responsibility on the road,” the Corps Marshal said. “Every motorist and passenger must take ownership of their safety. If a driver is on the phone, eating, or engaging in any activity that diverts attention, passengers have the right to speak up.”
Mohammed stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, not just for drivers but also for commuters, transport unions, and community stakeholders. He urged Nigerians to report reckless drivers and cooperate with FRSC officials deployed across major highways during the season.
The Corps Marshal expressed deep concern over the disturbing number of fatalities recorded in 2025. Between January and September alone, the Corps recorded over 3,000 deaths resulting from road crashes nationwide. He said this figure serves as a wake-up call for all road users to change their attitudes and comply with traffic regulations.
“This alarming statistic shows why we must all act responsibly. The Ember Months are not a time to rush or claim right of way. They are a time to stay alert, exercise patience, and drive defensively,” he added.
Mohammed further warned against the dangerous and illegal act of scooping fuel from overturned tankers, a practice that has led to numerous fire disasters and loss of lives in the past.
“Whenever a fuel tanker falls, people should not move close to it. No matter how difficult the economy may be, it is not worth losing your life over a few litres of fuel,” he cautioned. “Run away from such scenes and allow emergency responders to handle the situation.”
The FRSC boss reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to continuous nationwide sensitisation, public enlightenment, and collaboration with security agencies to ensure safer roads throughout the festive season and beyond.
He urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on long-distance trips and to avoid overloading, overspeeding, and night journeys.
“This campaign will continue into early next year to ensure that the message of road safety reaches every Nigerian,” Mohammed said. “Our collective goal is to make our highways safer, protect lives, and ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely.”
The 2025 Ember Months Sensitisation Campaign, themed “Your Safety, Our Priority: Drive Responsibly”, has been extended to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. FRSC officers are visiting motor parks, worship centres, and markets to educate drivers and commuters on accident prevention measures.
The Corps also urged members of the public to make use of its toll-free emergency line 122 to report crashes or road obstructions at any time.
With the campaign in full swing, the FRSC reiterated that safe driving, discipline, and civic responsibility remain key to achieving zero road fatalities in Nigeria.
