Ember Months: FRSC Introduces New Policies To Prevent Rampant Road Accidents

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reviewed its safety management and public education strategies to curb road accidents during the ember months.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, made this known during a Press Conference to Flag-off the 2024 Ember Months Campaign held at the NUJ Secretariat, Bauchi, on Tuesday.

Mohammed’s address was read by Istifanus Ibrahim, the Sector Commander, Bauchi State.

The Corps Marshal explained that this year’s sensitisation campaign has the theme Speak up against dangerous driving. Crashes kill more passengers than Drivers.

“You are all aware that the ember months mark a time when Nigerians travel extensively across the country,” Mohammed said.

“This is largely due to the season’s significance, which provides opportunities for family reunions, festivals, meetings, and ceremonies

“As a result, our roads typically experience heavy traffic, congestion, road crashes, and regrettably, the loss of lives and properties.

“This situation is worsened by the reckless behaviors of some motorists, creating a distressing environment for travelers, government agencies, and stakeholders, including the FRSC”

Mohammed stated that the Corps had intensified efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce road crashes, and create a safer motoring environment nationwide.

“The Corps has reassessed the safety traffic and management in Nigeria, with a focus on reviewing and improving our strategies in all fronts,” he said.

“These new policies aim to not only enhance the road transportation sector by changing drivers’ behaviour but also to position Nigeria as a safety nation in the global community.

“These efforts are being mode despite the significant challenges the Corps faces as the government agency responsible for road safety

He disclosed that the Coprs has also revised its public education strategy by introducing dynamic approaches. T

“These include mega town hall meetings, motorcades, transit, rest areas, and loading boys advocacy,” he explained.

“This strategy arose from the need tо 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 song more vigilant while on transit.

“The core of this approach is 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”

Mohammed assured that the new polices would be implemented by focusing on re-educating passengers by 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,” he stated.

“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”