The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised Nigerians against entering vehicles with compromised security as the year 2025 draws closer.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said as end-of-the-year travels keep gathering expected momentum roads are expected to be busier than they were in the previous months.
In a statement on Saturday, Mohammed urged commuters to be at alert and mindful of drivers who show signs of recklessness and drunkenness, before embarking on or during their journeys.
“This has become overly imperative in view of the recent crashes that occurred in Jebba, Kwara State on Thursday 26 December, 2024 and the other that happened on the Owo-Ikare route, before Ose bridge on 28 December, 2024,” he said.
He noted that recorded road crashes in the festive season occurred due to the negligence or recklessness of drivers and the inability of passengers to checkmate them, call them to order or even report them to FRSC or other security agencies along their routes.
“To mitigate this risk of preventable crashes on the nation’s highways, commuters are advised to exercise caution when boarding vehicles, be aware of their surroundings and always ensure that their drivers are not under any influence before or during the trips,” he stated.
While emphasizing that the safety of all road users is of utmost importance, the Corps Marshal, urged commuters to take responsibility for their safety. This effort is to support all the necessary interventions that the Corps has put in place.
He further advised passengers to make it a duty to check drivers’ behaviour, attitude and assess the vehicle’s condition, including tires, brakes, and lights system before boarding.
He added that by taking these simple precautions, commuters can significantly reduce their risk of being involved in road crashes.