Recent spike in road mishaps on some major routes in the country is currently a matter of serious concern to Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as the Christmas and New Year rush season approaches.
Kogi State Sector Commander, Solomon Agure, made the concern public in a statement by the Corps’ Public Education Officer, Ayodeji Oluwadunsin, in Lokoja.
Agure said that the spike in road crashes was due to carelessness of some recalcitrant drivers who failed to comply with simple traffic rules and regulations, noting that this was in spite of efforts by the corps to combat the incident and promote safety of highways across the state.
He said the ember months were not different from the other months within the year, rather the excesses of people and, “I don’t care” attitude, adding that motorists should be blamed for the negative influences commonly observed at this period.
”There is no evil spirit or blood sucking demons anywhere programmed to be crashing vehicles during these months. But on the contrary, it is people that need a change of orientation to put a check on these avoidable crashes on the highways”, he said.
Agure noted that among other factors contributing to road crashes included desire to meet up for targets which were not planned from the beginning of the year.
”Motorists are tempted to contravene traffic rules and regulations which leads to increase in crashes and their attendants fatalities or injuries”, he said.
While calling on motorists to be disciplined as a key to maintaining high standard against anti-safety vices and achieving zero crashes, Agure urged the people to join hands with the FRSC to fight against indiscipline on the roads for all to enjoy quality road experience as the year ends.
He also advised drivers to avoid drinking before driving, speeding, overload, endeavor to obey traffic lights as well as used safety seat belt.
”Motorists must not overtake wrongfully, consider other road users, ensure vehicle’s routine checks and maintenance regularly, resist temptation to break traffic rules and regulations. This will ensure that the public have a seamless link with the corps”, the sector commander said.
He advised the public to feel free to engage all FRSC available platforms such as the emergency toll free line: 122, social media platforms to report any case of road mishaps whenever they occur.
