As the festive season reaches its peak, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a critical and timely appeal to all road users. The call goes beyond a simple reminder; it’s a data-driven imperative aimed at curbing the tragic spike in road traffic accidents that historically accompanies periods of high travel like Christmas and New Year.
Mr. Nasir Mohammed, the FRSC Corridor Commander for the busy Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway, emphasized that sustained compliance with traffic laws is not a suggestion but a lifesaving protocol. “Obeying traffic rules and sustaining compliance remains the single most effective factor in saving lives and guaranteeing safer highways during this period,” Mohammed stated in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Beyond the General Advice: The Specific High-Risk Behaviors
While the message to “obey rules” is broad, the FRSC pinpointed several high-risk behaviors that are particularly prevalent and dangerous during festive travel:
- Wrongful Overtaking & Dangerous Driving: Increased traffic volume and driver impatience lead to risky maneuvers. Overtaking on bends, hills, or in heavy traffic is a primary cause of head-on collisions, which are often fatal.
- Overloading: Vehicles packed beyond capacity—with passengers or goods—become unstable, have longer braking distances, and in the event of a crash, lead to exponentially higher casualties.
- Speeding: The desire to reach destinations quickly on seemingly open holiday roads is a major killer. Speed reduces reaction time and dramatically increases the severity of any impact.
- Night Travel: Fatigue, compromised visibility, and potentially higher speeds at night create a perfect storm for accidents. The FRSC strongly advises planning journeys for daylight hours.
The Rationale: Why Festive Seasons Are Especially Dangerous
The festive period creates a unique convergence of risk factors. Traffic density increases significantly as people travel to celebrate with family. There is also often a rise in fatigue from pre-holiday activities, financial stress, and sometimes, alcohol consumption. This combination demands heightened vigilance, not just from enforcement agencies but from every individual behind the wheel.
Mohammed also called for cooperation with FRSC officials and other traffic management agencies. This partnership is crucial. Compliance with checks and directives isn’t an inconvenience; it’s a collaborative effort to identify and mitigate risks like faulty vehicles, tired drivers, or unsafe loads before they result in tragedy.
A Shared Responsibility for Safe Arrival
The commander reiterated the Corps’s commitment to its mandate but underscored that road safety is a shared responsibility. “The FRSC is committed to ensuring the motoring public arrives at their destinations safely,” he said, “but this goal is only achievable with the conscious cooperation of every driver and passenger.”
This appeal serves as a crucial reminder: the joy of the season should not be marred by preventable loss. By planning journeys, allowing extra time, ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, and most importantly, making a personal commitment to disciplined driving, every motorist contributes to making the highways safer for all. The ultimate festive gift is arriving alive.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
