Rain: FRSC urges motorists to drive with caution

Mr Sunday Oghenekaro, the FCT Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has advised motorists to drive cautiously during the rainy season.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, Oghenekaro said driving cautiously would help drivers avoid calamities that could affect them and other road users.

“Any time it rains in the FCT we always experience issues of crashes in some localities particularly on the expressways like the City Gate-Giri axis and the Zuba-Lugbe-AYA.

“So, we need to be much more careful as drivers and ensure that our wipers are working, so that when it rains we would be able to deploy it effectively.

“ The braking system is what we must also check, it is very important for the rains and for all times.

“We do know that when it rains and you want to use your brakes, the stopping distance is somewhat lengthened, but with effective braking system, you will be able to take adequate control of that.’’

The sector commander also harped on the issue of speeding, which he described as a critical factor in road safety and largest contributor to road traffic crashes in the country.

Oghenekaro stated that with the good roads in the FCT, the temptation for excessive speed could be compelling for motorists.

However, he reminded drivers that speeding comes with only pains and regrets, hence the need for them to be careful.

“Speed does not produce any other thing but pains, sorrows and regrets.

“It’s good for every driver to plan his journey; for every commuter to also plan his journey so that you do not urge drivers to go at speed they cannot control.

“The drivers too should not yield to the unnecessary quest on the part of the commuter to go at speeds that are not legal and safe to do.

“Most crashes that occur and result in heavy casualties are usually associated with speed.

“Drivers must ensure that they are always on top of their job because every time the driver is engaged in his own trade his life is involved.

“So, that should make him exercise a special care and caution when he is on the road.’’

NAN reports that the FCT remains on top of the FRSC’s chart as the state with the highest number of road traffic crashes in the country.