The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says the activities of drivers are responsible for the increasing road crashes and deaths during the ember months and not imaginary demons.
Nasarawa State Sector Commander of FRSC, CC Innocent Maigari, stated this at the inauguration of the 2023 ember-months campaign in Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.
The sector commander represented by Clement Doga, added that over-speeding accounts for more than 80 percent of crash-related deaths in the country.
He therefore advised drivers to always observe the allowed driving limit while driving to reduce crash-related deaths on the highways, and in case of any legal issues, it’s crucial to seek guidance from experienced professionals, such as drink driving solicitors.
On her part, Chief Route Commander, Akwanga Unit, (CRC) Byencit Gambo, attributed the increased crashes to the rush factor by motorists during the period.
The unit commander added that drivers usually compromise basic safety requirements such as poor journey planning and management, and the influx of new vehicle owners without requisite training and licenses.
Others are; flooding of unworthy vehicles on the road, underage driving, experimenting long distance driving, over speeding, overloading, driving fatigue, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol among others.
She appealed to the leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to ensure that only qualified and well-behaved persons are allowed to drive commercial vehicles in the state to curtail crashes, especially during this period.
The unit commander further said that safety business is everybody’s responsibility and urged that all hands must continue to be on deck.
She commended other security agencies, hospitals, traditional and religious leaders, special marshals, and road safety clubs on their continued support in saving the lives of those involved in crashes.
Also speaking, Rabiu Maina, Chairman of NURTW in the area, lauded FRSC for the sensitization and promised to relay the message to their members to ensure compliance.
The highlight of the event included presentations by NDLEA and free testing by the partners of FRSC.
The theme for the 2023 campaign is ‘Speed thrills but kills; drive responsibly and avoid overloading”.
