In line with its mandate to ensure safe road usage during the Ember months, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified efforts to manage the increased vehicular traffic typical of this period. Known for family reunions and events, these months witness a spike in road journeys across Nigeria, which often leads to traffic challenges and an increase in accidents.
The FRSC’s Oolo Unit Command, RS11.312, led by Acting Unit Commander CRC Femi Adeyemo, recently organized a public education (PE) campaign at Odo Oba Park Management System (PMS) and Odo Oba market. The campaign, titled “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers Than Drivers,” aims to promote road safety awareness among drivers and traders, equipping them with knowledge and tips to reduce the risk of crashes.
Commander Adeyemo emphasized the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, particularly during the Ember months. He reminded road users that reckless driving and unsafe practices contribute to the high rate of road crashes, with passengers often bearing the brunt of these incidents.
Odo Oba, a town situated along the Ogbomoso-Oyo route, is a high-risk area known for road traffic crashes (RTC) and obstructions (OBS). The FRSC’s efforts at this location included targeted education for commercial drivers and traders, focusing on strategies to enhance safety and protect both lives and property during travel.
As part of its mission, the FRSC will continue its sensitization efforts throughout the Ember months, with plans to extend similar campaigns to other high-traffic regions, thereby reducing accident rates and ensuring smoother journeys for Nigerians this festive season.
Part of the points emphasize with the PMS drivers and the Marketers are;
Speed Limit: Drivers were warned to shun the exceeding of speed limit while driving. They were also encouraged to adhere to their passenger’s caution when the issue of speed limit exceeding is complained/reported.
Overloading:The attendants were also warned to shun the act of overloading their vehicles with goods and passengers; as such that is capable of causing Loss of Control while driving along the route, considering the deteriorating state of the road, especially.
– Right to Report Speed Violators: The marketers were made to be aware of their Right to report noticeable drivers with excessive speed while driving to law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction, emphasizing the fact that environmental safety is everybody’s business.
Sitting On Trucks: The attendants were cautioned with the dangers attached to sitting on the top of their goods in a truck. They were further enlightened that RTC cases in this scenario are known to be fatal.
*Planning for Journey:* The drivers and marketers were told to ensure that they have their Journey planned before commencement. This is meant to guide their direction and enhance their mental attitude, positively towards road usage.
*Road Safety as a Collective Responsibility* : Emphasis was also laid on the fact that Road Safety is a shared and collective responsibility for all. Creating a safe and motorable environment requires individual input and orientation; hence identifying the importance of the Public Enlightenment as a core objective towards Road Safety.
The FRSC personnel further urged the Marketers authority to strictly comply with the discussed Road Safety tips and also gave the assurance of the Corps commitment to combating all factors complimenting Road Traffic Crashes and Obstructions along Oyo – Ogbomoso road.
The Market men and women were emphatically encouraged to derail from being mute and also speak up against dangerous driving; as crashes have reportedly killed more passengers than drivers.
It’s also recalled that the Ag. Unit Commander, CRC Femi Adeyemo pjsc alongside some other staff of the Command, RS11.312 Oolo recently conducted Road Monitoring along Oolo – Oyo (Old and new roads) as an home grown initiative towards Ember Month special patrol operation for the year 2024.
