The Federal Road Safety Corps has warned motorists to drive within prescribed limits, saying it’s incorrect for them to use the yuletide period to maximize profit through overloading, thereby putting the lives of road users at risk.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr. Dauda Biu, gave the warning during the FRSC 2023 Ember Months Campaign with the theme: “Speed Thrills but Kills; Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading,” held Friday at Itam Short Distance Motor Park, Uyo Akwa Ibom State.
Biu, who was represented by the River State Deputy Sector Commander, Mr Ogbonna Okwara, said speed thrills but it is dangerous, adding that they must avoid overspeeding during the period.
“This is a wake-up call to remind everybody in society that we have to be careful because, during this period, there is usually an upsurge in the number of people and vehicles on the road.
“It is on this note that motorists should drive within the prescribed speed limit and they must be conscious enough to avoid reckless driving and also carry out maintenance on their vehicles before putting them on the road,” he added.
The State Sector Commander, Mr. Matthew Olonisaye, in his welcome address, stressed that the corps will pay strict attention to motorists’ compliance with traffic rules and regulations.
Olonisaye, represented by Deputy Corps Marshal, Mr. Philip Ayodele, further urged the motoring public to desist from acts capable of endangering the lives and property of road users during the period.
“You are all aware that the Yuletide is one of the periods when Nigerians travel across the length and breadth of the country, especially the Christian faithful.
“The end of the year season provides opportunities for people to travel home for family reunions, meetings, festivals, and ceremonies, among others.
“Owing to this development, our roads have always witnessed high vehicular traffic congestion, gridlocks, road traffic crashes, and attendance loss of lives and property.
“The Corps being aware of the incessant crashes chronicled in the ember months, usually orchestrated by the recalcitrant attitude of some road users during the period, display this awareness strategy to enlighten the motoring public,” he noted.
On his part, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who declared the campaign open, advised the public to abide by the traffic rules and regulations and never to see FRSC officials as enemies while on duty.
Eno, represented by the State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Mr. Joseph Ebong, urged motorists to always exercise patience and maintain peace while on the road to avoid unnecessary squabbles with fellow road users.
