The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has officially launched the 2024 Ember Months Campaign, aimed at reducing road accidents and curbing reckless driving during the high-travel season at the end of the year.
In a press statement signed by the FRSC’s Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Thursday, the Corps Marshal emphasized an “aggressive sensitization of commuters” to empower them to speak up against dangerous driving practices.
He called on passengers to report any violations they observe by using the FRSC Mobile Application, dialing 122, or tuning in to the National Traffic Radio on 107.1 FM for immediate intervention.
The FRSC has also introduced new strategic approaches to public sensitization, including mega town hall meetings, motorcades, press conferences, and advocacy at transit rest areas and loading bays.
“This strategy arose from the need to engage passengers and encourage them to assert their rights, thereby curbing drivers’ excesses,” Mohammed stated.
He highlighted that passenger safety is paramount, noting that “more passengers are killed in road traffic crashes than drivers.”Under this campaign theme, “Speak up against dangerous driving: Crashes kill more passengers than drivers,” the FRSC will focus on educating passengers about their rights.
The Corps Marshal has directed all Commanding Officers to begin comprehensive public awareness campaigns across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, to promote road safety and enforce traffic laws.
The Corps has set a target of reducing road fatalities by 5% this year as part of its Corporate Strategic Goal, with Mohammed calling on the motoring public, especially passengers, to be vigilant. “We urge passengers to always know their rights, speak up against drivers who contravene traffic regulations, and report such drivers to FRSC patrols and other security agencies along their routes,” he said.
Mohammed also reminded the public of the FRSC’s toll-free emergency number, 122, and encouraged the use of the FRSC Mobile App to report unsafe driving conditions.
