…urges passengers, residents to speak out against reckless driving
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has mapped out plans to sensitize commuters in Ekiti State on ways to adhere to safety regulations against road crashes.
The Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed stated this in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday during the press conference to flag-off the 2024 Ember Months campaign.
The Sector Commander in Ekiti State, Corps Commander Elijah Olusola Joseph, who read his speech revealed that the theme of the campaign is ‘Speak up against dangerous driving: Crashes kill more passengers than Drivers.’
While decrying the incessant number of road crashes in the country, the Corps Marshal urged commuters to always speak up aimed at reducing road crashes, injuries and fatalities.
He said: “In the light of this, the Corps has intensified its efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce road crashes, and create a safer motoring environment nationwide.
“To achieve this, I have directed the immediate commencement of Mega Public Enlightenment, Sensitization Campaigns in all states, including the Federal Capital Territory while enforcement has been placed on red alert.
“These new policies aim to not only enhance the road transportation sector by changing drivers’ behaviour but also to position Nigeria as a safety-conscious nation in the global community. These efforts are being made despite the significant challenges the Corps faces as the government agency responsible for road safety.
“As part of this, 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.
“This strategy arose from the need to engage passengers and encourage them to assert their rights, thereby curbing drivers’ excesses, because 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.
“To implement this approach, we are focusing on re-educating passengers and helping them understand their rights. The agreement between the driver and the passenger is clear: the driver must ensure the passenger reaches their destination safely. Passengers have a right not to be injured, killed, harassed, or have their rights violated. By empowering passengers, we aim to reduce road traffic crashes.
“Commanding Officers have been directed to actively engage commuters, ensuring they are familiar with safety regulations, report reckless driving, use seatbelts, and support responsible driving. Passengers must avoid distractions and contribute to safe road use. This is Because, often times than not, passengers are the most affected in the event of traffic crashes, hence the need for them to start speaking up.”