From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned travelers against boarding vehicles with compromised safety standards.
Its Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, in a statement yesterday, by the Corps Public Education Officer Olusegun Ogungbemide, also urged commuters to be on alert and mindful of drivers who show signs of recklessness and drunkenness, before embarking or during their journeys.
Mohammed said the advice became imperative in view of the recent crashes that occurred in Jebba, Kwara State on Thursday December 26, 2024, and another that happened on the Owo-Ikare route, before Ose bridge on December 28, 2024.
According to him, the recorded road crashes occurred due to the negligence or recklessness of drivers and the inability of passengers to checkmate them.
Therefore, he charged passengers to report reckless drivers to the FRSC or other security agencies along their routes.
He said: “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.
“While emphasising 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 highlighted some of the roles of the passengers which include but not limited to checking the driver’s behaviour and attitude before boarding, assessing the vehicle’s condition, including tires, brakes, and lights system.
“By taking these simple precautions, the Corps Marshal believes that commuters can significantly reduce their risk of being involved in road crashes.”