The Federal Road Safety Commission, (FRSC) has cautioned motorists against reckless and carefree driving as it reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance for carnage on the highway during the ember months.
This was as the Chairman of the Oluyole local government area, Engr. Akeem Olatunji emphasized the need for strict adherence to the traffic rules on the highway.
The advice was given at the one day Town Hall Sensitization and Awareness Campaign themed, “Speak Up Against Reckless Driving at Idi-Ayunre in Oluyole LGA.
The Sector Commander, Rosemary Alo commended Olatunji for his proactive stance on road safety and his efforts in community engagement.
She noted that while the FRSC was working diligently to monitor and regulate traffic, the role of local government leaders in educating the public and enforcing safety protocols was equally vital.
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She added that reckless driving affects more passengers than drivers due to extensive traveling across the country during the ember months, and attributed it to the seasonal significance of the opportunity for family reunion, festivals, meetings, and ceremonies.
She said, “As a result typically, our roads witness heavy congestions, road crashes, and regrettably, loss of lives and properties.
“The situation is worsened by the reckless behaviors of some motorists creating a distressing environment for travelers, government agencies, and stakeholders including the FRSC.
“In the light of this, the Corp has intensified efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce road crashes, and create a safer motoring environment nationwide.
“To achieve this, FRSC has commenced mega public enlightenment and sensitization campaign in all states including the FCT while enforcement has been placed on red alert.”
Earlier in his address, Olatunji had noted that the sensitization campaign was in line with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde towards strict compliance with the rule of law.
He, thereby, gave assurance that his administration in Oluyole local has continued to engage all stakeholders towards ensuring safety of both motorists and other road users.
Olatunji stated that the meeting aimed at improved road safety awareness and collaboration between the local government and the FRSC was one that he expressed optimism at its positive impact on the people particularly at the grassroots.
The meeting which commemorated the official flag off of the 2024 road safety sensitization and awareness campaign, sought to address critical issues related to road safety, particularly within the Oluyole jurisdiction, as well as explore strategies to reduce road accidents and fatalities.
Also in an interview with the newsmen shortly after the meeting, Olatunji emphasized the importance of road safety to the well-being of the local communities, noting that improving road conditions, enforcing traffic laws, and promoting safe driving habits were top priorities for Oluyole local government.
Olatunji expressed the readiness of his local government to deepen collaboration with the FRSC and other agencies to ensure that Oluyole’s roads are safer for all commuters.
“We cannot overemphasize the importance of road safety. Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and as leaders, it is our responsibility to do all we can to prevent such incidents.
“This town hall is a critical step in the right direction in ensuring we work together to promote awareness, improve road infrastructure, and advocate for responsible driving in on our roads.
“As you’re all aware, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde is even leading the charge in this regard which was an agency was created; The Rule of Law Agency, to show a deeper level of commitment towards ensuring compliance with responsible driving.
“At the local government level, Oluyole is leaving no stone unturned and we will not relent in this direction because the safety and well-being of our people particularly at the grassroots are our first and topmost priority as a government.
“We have consistently been engaging all stakeholders to ensure inclusivity which also guarantees that nobody is left behind in our policies and programs direction in Oluyole.
“This is even more of the reason we’re ready to deepen collaboration with the FRSC to ensure our roads are safe and motorists drive responsibly during this ember months where travelers abound on the roads across the state almost on daily basis”, Olatunji said.
Also present at the town hall meeting were the Oluyole HLGA, Alhaja Kudirat Noibi, the local government vice chairman, Hon. Niyi Akorede, top officials of the FRSC, traditional, religious and community leaders, other stakeholders, and members of various transport unions including the Park Management System (PMS).
