Road traffic safety, collective responsibility of road users — Oyo FRSC boss

 

• says reckless drivers risk prosecution

Sector Commander RS11.3 of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oyo Sector Command, Corps Commander Rosemary  Alo,  has described road traffic safety as a collective responsibility of all and sundry, especially road users in the country.  

She noted that road safety management is not restricted as the agency’s responsibility alone, noting that every hand must be on deck to ensure safety on Nigerian roads.

Corps Commander Alo made the remark recently  at the 2024 Ember months flag-off campaign organized by RS11.35 Egbeda unit to sensitise Egbeda Local Government  community area of Oyo State on  the dangers  associated with reckless driving, especially during festive period.   

Speaking on the theme for this year’s road safety campaign, entitled; ‘Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers than Drivers,’ Corps  Commander Alo urged every passenger not to keep mute but always reprimand reckless drivers while in the vehicles. 

He noted that more passengers were killed during the crashes hence the need for passengers to check drivers against over-speeding and reckless driving.

ALSO READ: 3,767 killed, 22,373 others injured in auto crashes between January and September —FRSC

Alo noted that everybody is expected to team up with the Federal Road Safety officers in their bid to ensure that all roads are safe to ply in the interest of the general public.

Speaking further, the commander stated that reckless driving on Nigerian roads is forbidden and warned that the corps will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found culpable, in the court of law. 

“All vehicle drivers and cyclists, private or commercial, who caused road traffic crashes will be prosecuted.  If anyone causes  a vital  road traffic crash, as long as the culprit is alive, he or she will be prosecuted. This is because a road traffic crash is not an accident, rather it was caused. This is the essence of the campaign that  every vehicle  driver must be in their right mind and be very careful while on the steering wheel,” she said. 

The Oyo FRSC boss observed that ember months were often characterized by hasty and rough driving   as many people are always in a haste for one reason or the other.  

She, however, urged drivers to be very careful, putting 100 percent attention while driving, noting that  avoidance of the use of phones and abstinence from  intoxicating drinks while driving should be encouraged.

The unit Commander, RS.35 Egbeda Unit Command,  Assistance  Corps Commander  Abiodun Arowolo, who is also the chief host of the annual programme, noted  that FRSC was established to create a safe motoring environment  to ensure zero road traffic death on Nigerian roads.

He advised all road users to be mindful of their actions and to take responsibility for their actions and safety of others. 

While enjoining the vehicle drivers to use their seat belts and wear safety helmets when riding motorcycles, he encouraged them to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on a journey. 

Deputy Route Commander of the unit command, UH  SDER Abiodun Balogun, appealed to park managers to discourage sales of alcohol in parks, urging them to ensure drivers don’t drink before or while driving.

The flag-off ceremony was witnessed by motor park  officials, including the motorcycle and tricycle  workers.  The Special Marshals from Iwo and Airport Units in the zone as well as security officials from the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and Department of State Security (DSS) were also in attendance.