The Federal Road Safety Corps on Friday called for collaborative efforts among road users to curb crashes on the country roads.
Mr William Manga, the Unit Commander, FRSC Badagry Command made the call at the 2024 Ember Month Flag-off Town Hall Meeting in Badagry.
The theme of the 2024 Ember Month is titled: Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving, Crashes Kill More Passengers than Drivers”.
According to Manga, it is not just the duty of law enforcement agencies or road safety officials, but it is a collective effort that requires the active participation of every road user.
“Whether you are a driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, we all have a role to play in ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone.
“Let us pledge today to be more mindful of our actions on the road, to obey traffic rules and regulations, to avoid distractions while driving, and to always prioritize the safety of ourselves and others.
“Let us commit to speaking up against dangerous driving behaviors and to holding ourselves and others accountable for our actions. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can save lives.
“Let us work hand in hand to create a culture of road safety in our communities and to ensure that the Ember Months are a time of joy and celebration. not of sorrow and tragedy,” he said.
The Unit commander said that the Ember Months are upon us, a period that is traditionally associated with increased road traffic and unfortunately, a rise in road crashes.
“It is a time when we must all come together to raise awareness and take action to prevent unnecessary loss of lives on our roads.
“The theme of our campaign today, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that road crashes can have on our communities.
“It is a call to action for each and every one of us to be vigilant to speak out against reckless driving behaviors and to prioritize safety on our roads,” he said.
Mr Sikiru Aduloju, representing Kehinde Hazmat, the Lagos State Sector Commander, said the town hall meeting was to engage road users on the ember months campaign.
He advised drivers to shun alcohol intake before embarking on any journey.
Speaking, the Secretary, Badagry Local Government, Mr Moses Opa said the council led by Mr Olusegun Onilude would continue to support any projects and policies that would enhance the safety and security of the residents.
He said the provision of maximum safety and security to the residents was the priority of the present administration.
He commended the FRSC for all its efforts aimed at making the roads safe for the users, urged motorists, especially the commercial drivers, to change their attitude towards the use of highways during ember months.
Alhaji Yahaya Idris, the President, Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (BACCIMA) urged drivers to desist from drinking alcohol during the months
According to him, there is nothing extraordinary in ember months, motorists should just be extra careful on the roads.
He urged motorists, especially the commercial drivers, to change their attitude towards the use of highways, saying that the roads would be more busy during the Christmas and New Year celebration.
Mr Akintade Abiodun, the President, Megacity Drivers Association said they had sensitised their members to ensure safety on the highway during and beyond ember months.
He commended FRSC in Badagry for organising the events to further caution road users on road safety.
The representative of Nigerian Army, Nigeria Civil Defense and Security Corps, transport unions and residents of Badagry and Lagos graced the event.
