Ember Months: Lagos FRSC urges passengers to speak up on reckless driving, begins sensitization

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Lagos State Sector Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), In its avowed determination to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduction of road crashes, and creating a safer motoring environment in line with the directive of the Corps Marshal, Shehu as embarked on ember month sensitization.

At its yearly collaborative press briefing which the command and Guinness Nigeria Plc held at the state FRSC Ojodu Headquarters, as part of a 3-Day activities lined up to flag off the 2024 Ember Months sensitization campaign.

Lagos Sector Commander Ganiyu Kehinde Hamzat speaking on the theme: “Speak up against dangerous driving: Crashes kill more passengers than Drivers,” explained some of the measures as directed by the Corps Marshal to include immediate commencement of Mega Public Enlightenment, Sensitization Campaigns in all commands nationwide and full enforcement against all manners of indiscipline likely to cause RTC.

According to CC Hamzat, it has been noticed that passengers are the most affected in the event of traffic crashes, hence the need for them to start speaking up of drivers’ bad behaviour and reckless driving.

He emphasised the importance of prioritising safety over convenience, urging passengers to prioritise their well-being and report any concerns to ensure a safer motoring environment.

CC Hamzat said: “Ember months mark a time when Nigerians travel extensively across the country. 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 behaviours of some motorists, creating a distressing environment for travelers, government agencies, and stakeholders, including FRSC.

“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, the Corps Marshal has directed the immediate commencement of Mega Public Enlightenment, Sensitization Campaigns in all commands nationwide while enforcement has been placed on red alert. On this note, the Corps has reassessed the state of road safety and traffic management in Nigeria with a focus on reviewing and improving our strategies in all fronts,” CC Hamzat, said.

He stressed the necessity of the new policies aimed not to only enhance the road transportation sector by changing drivers’ behaviour but also to position Nigeria as a safety conscious nation in the global community, noting that the efforts are being made despite the significant challenges the Corps faces as the government agency responsible for road safety.

According to the Sector Commander, the Corps have revised its public education strategy, introducing new dynamic approaches which include mega town hall meetings, motorcades, transit, rest areas, and loading bays advocacy.

This strategy, he added 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.

“The core of this approach is the alarming number of road traffic crashes in Nigeria, which claims many lives. While various factors contribute to these crashes – behaviour and passengers’ indifference to reckless driving are major contributors. 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.

“The Corps Marshal has directed all Commands Nationwide 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.”

CC Hamzat reaffirmed the Corps commitment to its responsibility of educating all road users. Empowering them with the right knowledge, we can reduce road traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities, He said.

Recent road accident at Abule Osun Lagos

He called on relevant stakeholders in road transportation sector to work together with the Corps to address road carnage, adding that motorists are expected to take full responsibility of their actions and inactions on the road by maintaining their vehicles, obeying traffic laws, and other road regulations. “Safer motoring environment in Nigeria is a crucial and collective responsibility. We must take proactive steps to provide hope, not fear when using our roads as the consequences of our actions or inactions will be severe if we fail to address these challenges,” The Lagos Sector Commander, Concluded.

He hinted that operatives and special marshals will be deployed to critical corridors across the state for traffic control and enforcement, with transit camps set up for rapid response to obstructions, rescue operations, and emergencies.

The representative of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Rotimi Odusola, said the company would not relent from supporting the FRSC and other road traffic management in the course of creating safer motoring environment.

According to Mr Odusola, the Company has over two decades partnering with FRSC in the campaign of “Don’t drink while driving and don’t drive while drinking.”