Bauchi State Sector Command of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) on Tuesday officially flagged off the 2024 ‘EMBER’ months road traffic campaign with focus on the right of passengers to caution reckless drivers on the road.
The FRSC has therefore reviewed its safety management and public education strategies to curb road crashes during the Ember months as the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed used a press conference to flag off the 2024 ember months campaign held at the NUJ Secretariat, Bauchi.
Shehu Mohammed’s address was read by the Bauchi State Sector Commander, CC Istifanus Ibrahim, explaining that the press conference was organised simultaneously nationwide.
He said this year’s sensitisation campaign has the theme ‘Speak up against dangerous driving. Crashes kill more passengers than Drivers’.
The Corps Marshall stated that, “You are all aware that the Ember months mark a time when Nigerians travel extensively across the country.
“This is largely due to the season’s significance, which provides opportunities for family reunions, festivals, meetings, and ceremonies As a result, our roads typically experience heavy traffic, congestion, road crashes, and regrettably, the loss of lives and properties.
“This situation is worsened by the reckless behaviors of some motorists, creating a distressing environment for travelers, government agencies, and stakeholders, including the FRSC”
Shehu Mohammed further stated that the Corps had intensified efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce road crashes, and create a safer motoring environment nationwide.
He said, “The Corps has reassessed the safety traffic and management in Nigeria, with a focus on reviewing and improving our strategies in all fronts.
“These new policies aim to not only enhance the road transportation sector by changing drivers’ behaviour but also to position Nigeria as a safety nation in the global community.
“These efforts are being mode despite the significant challenges the Corps faces as the government agency responsible for road safety.”
He disclosed that the Corps has also revised its public education strategy by introducing dynamic approaches saying, “These include mega town hall meetings, motorcades, transit, rest areas, and loading boys advocacy.
“This strategy arose from the need tо engage passengers and encourage them to assert their rights, thereby curbing drivers’ excesses, because it is on record that more passengers are killed in road traffic crashes than drivers.”Hence the need to take up the responsibility of song more vigilant while on transit.
“The core of this approach is the alarming number of road traffic crashes in Nigeria, which claim many lives. While various factors contribute to these crashes, driver’s behaviour and passengers’ indifference to reckless driving are major contributors.”
Shehu Mohammed assured that the new polices would be implemented by focusing on re-educating passengers by helping them understand their rights.
According to him, “The agreement between the driver and the passenger is clear: the driver must ensure the passenger reaches their destination safely.
“Passengers have a right not to be injured, killed, harassed, or have their rights violated. By empowering passengers, we aim to reduce road traffic crashes.
“Commanding officers have been directed to actively engage commuters, ensuring they are familiar with safety regulations, report reckless driving, use seatbelts, and support responsible driving. Passengers must avoid distractions and contribute to safe road use.
“This is because, often times than not, passengers are the most affected in the event of traffic crashes, hence the need for them to start speaking up.”
In his remarks, Zonal Head of Operations, AB Umar urged Journalists to remain committed to safety on the road by always engaging in public education and enlightenment on the need to be cautious and abide by all safety regulations on the road.
The Sector Commander, Istifanus Ibrahim commended the cordial relationship between Journalists and FRSC in the State assuring that he will continue to build on what he met on the ground in order to achieve the set objectives of the establishment of the Corps which is a safer road across the country.
He called on the journalists to always call attention to proper use of the road by all road users and not to hesitate to report any erring Officer and personnel of the Corps to his office.
State Coordinator of the Special Marshall, Dr Kunle Gbadamosi assured that his members are always ready to support the Regular Marshall in the performance of their official functions.
He also assured that as they have always done, Special Marshall will actively participate in the Ember month campaign throughout the period it will last.
In his remarks, Bauchi NUJ Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu commemded the FRSC for deeming it proper to flagg off the Ember Months campaign at the Press Center assuring that Journalists in the state will always partner with the Corps to reduce to the barest minimun road crashes in the state.
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