Nigerians can prevent all forms of road accidents and protect the lives of every road user if they adhere to all traffic rules.
A Broadcast-Journalist and Safe Driving Advocate, Mrs Adetola Kayode made the statement at the annual sensitisation programme on how to achieve crash-free journeys at all times.
The sensitisation programme held at the Graceville chapel church Ikeja Lagos, according to the convener of the event, was part of efforts to stem the tide of road accidents most especially avoidable ones caused by negligence on the part of motorists.
Speaking at the programme campaign titled “Driving and the Nigerian in you, Rights, Roles and Responsibilities”, Kayode explained the need for motorists to tolerate one another and think about their own safety as well as others.
She also stressed the need for road users to obey traffic signs and regulations, using seatbelts at the front and backseat, as well as having road users respect one another including pedestrians.
“I want to see our society better. Let us respect one another on the road rather than causing chaotic situations on our roads. When you think of your own safety and other people’s safety, you will not rush out of the house because you are late for an assignment. Don’t rush and cause more chaos because it is ember month,” she advised
Some of the participants commended the programme, saying it is an eye opener, as many people take these safety rules with levity
A participant said “The sensitisation programme is fantastic because it is a way of taking the message directly to the people. And the Church is one of the avenues where family and lives can be better touched. So, for her doing this is a big awareness and a way of mobilising people to the consciousness of living well and living safely as well. There are lots of important tips that I am taking away from the programme. We have to make sure that we are safety conscious every day, every month and every time. We should abide by everything we heard at the event and I believe our road will be safer.”
Others emphasised the need for motorists to always avoid overspeeding, stressing that it is not only the government’s responsibility to protect the citizens; they must also ensure their own personal protection.
The ‘Driving and the Nigerian in you’ programme by Adetola Kayode is the third in the series of creating awareness on sharing the responsibility of safety and security on Nigerian roads.
Dominica Nwabufo
