FRSC warns drivers against night journeys, intensifies ember months safety campaign

*Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, mni, Corps Marshal of Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps reminds and sensitises tanker and trailer drivers on safe driving during the ‘ember months’, urging them to understand the inherent risks in night travels

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

As part of the regulatory agency’s consumer education initiatives towards saving Nigerians’ lives during the dreaded ‘ember’ months, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged motorists, tanker and trailer drivers to always drive safely to remain alive in the interest of their families and loved ones.

ConsumerConnect reports the FRSC has flagged off its ember months campaigns against night travels and to sensitise road users on safety measures to forestall crashes and road traffic-related incidents during the ember months in several states of the Federation.

FRSC top officials on a consumer education campaign in Nigeria

Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, mni, Corps Marshal of FRSC, gave the advice at a sensitisation programme for tanker and trailer drivers on safe driving during the ‘Ember months’ during a sensitisation programme at the Suleja Depot of the Nigerian National petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Proedge Limited, an Abuja-based Public Relations (PR) firm, which organised the forum, said it was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in saving lives during the much-dreaded ‘ember’ months in the country.

Represented at the forum by Adegoke Adetunji, Assistant Corp Marshal (ACM), Dr. Oyeyemi was quoted to have stressed that safe driving can be achieved when road users obey speed limits, ensure that their vehicles are in good condition and drivers are of sound mind.

He cautioned drivers to avoid night travels and overspeeding, being the theme for this year’s ‘ember months’ campaign, report said.

The Corps Marshal of FRSC stated: “Firstly, consider your family when you drive. When you travel, they want you back at home.

“Nobody can represent you like you want; nobody will pay your children’s school fees when they have their own children to pay for.

“So, I’m appealing to you, always consider them when you’re driving.”

The FRSC Chief also reminded the drivers that night travels could be thrilling due to fewer vehicles on the road, but he restated that nature cannot be cheated.

He, therefore, warned that a little doze could cause regrettable occurrence within seconds.

Oyeyemi further explained that “the roads may be free at night, but the body demands rest at night. Work during the day, rest at night.”

He also urged drivers of heavy-duty vehicles to remember that every road user is entitled to the roads, and cautioned against threatening other road users because of the size of their vehicles.

The Corps Marshal used the occasion to commend the drivers for turning up for the event, urging them to conduct themselves responsibly by watching their health, maintaining their vehicles regularly and avoiding wrong parking which   endangers the lives of others.

Engr. Abubakar Mohammed, Manager of NNPC Suleja Depot, as well appealed to the drivers to bear with the government on the state of the Nigerian roads, and stressed no government will like to see its citizens suffer hardships on the roads.

Huge financial requirements are needed to meet the infrastructural deficits across the country, with scare resources and competing demands, the NNPC chief said.