By Ibrahim Bello
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in Kebbi, has urged commuters to speak up against reckless driving by drivers to reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs).
The Sector Commander of the corps in the state, Mr Tenimu Yusuf-Etuku, made the called at a news conference on activities of 2024 Ember Months in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
He said that the period provided opportunities for people to come home for family unions and ceremonies in the state.
“Owing to the development, our roads have always witnessed high vehicular traffic congestions, gridlocks, road traffic crashes and attendant loss of lives and property.
“This situation is further worsened by the excesses of motorists along our corridors which leave horrifying nightmare in the minds of all stakeholders, motorists, travelers, government, and security agencies,” he said.
Yusuf-Etuku said that the 2024 ember months would emphasise on aggressive sensitisation of commuters to speak up against reckless driving and report any noticeable case through the FRSC Mobile Application, 122.
“As part of the activities, the corps will hold mega town hall meetings, motorcades, transit rest areas, and loading bays advocacy.
“This strategy arose from the need to engage passengers and encourage them to assert their rights, thereby curbing drivers’ excesses, because it is on record that more passengers are killed in road traffic crashes than drivers.
He noted that the corps would broaden its advocacy by focusing on re-educating passengers and helping them understand their rights.
“This will also be in line with the theme for this year’s campaign which is: ‘Speak up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers than Drivers’.
“The commuters are hereby urged to report any of such drivers to FRSC patrol operatives and other security agencies along their routes.
“We also enjoin them to call FRSC 122 toll free emergency numbers or leverage on the FRSC Mobile Application to report such erring drivers,” he said.
Yusuf-Etuku revealed that the press briefing was in line with the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed’s directive to Commanding Officers to ensure the immediate commencement of Mega Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaigns to commuters in all states.
The FRSC boss called on the motoring public, especially passengers to always know their rights, speak up against drivers who contravened traffic regulations. (NAN)
