The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its call on motorists, particularly commercial drivers, to strictly adhere to safety standards and desist from the use of worn-out and substandard tyres.
The FRSC Deputy Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Ohaeri Osondu, made the call on Wednesday, during a Special Easter Mega Rally held across some major motor parks in Abuja.
Osondu said that the rally was part of efforts to reduce road crashes during the Easter period and beyond.
He also said that it was aimed at sensitising motorists to safe driving practices and responsible road use.
He decried the increasing cases of reckless driving on highways, attributing the trend to poor driving attitudes, disregard for traffic regulations, and inadequate vehicle maintenance.
He noted that avoidable factors such as negligence and non-compliance with established safety measures continued to contribute significantly to road traffic crashes, leading to loss of lives and property.
The FRSC spokesman noted that the use of worn-out and substandard tyres remained a critical concern for the corps, as they significantly increase the risk of tyre bursts, loss of vehicle control, and fatal crashes.
He said that the Easter Mega Rally, with the theme “Drive Responsibly, Celebrate Peaceful Easter 2026 Road Safety Awareness”, was part of a nationwide campaign.
“It is designed to educate road users on the importance of compliance with traffic rules for safer highways,” he said.
Osondu explained that the rally was being replicated across the country to ensure wider reach and impact, particularly during the festive period as traffic volume was usually high.
He identified the use of mobile phones while driving, lane indiscipline, overloading, over-speeding, and the intake of alcoholic beverages as major behavioural risk factors responsible for road crashes.
He emphasised that addressing these challenges required collective responsibility among drivers, passengers, transport operators, and regulatory authorities.
The FRSC official also appealed to transport union leaders and fleet operators to enforce safety compliance among their members, including routine vehicle checks, and strict adherence to passenger and load limits.
He urged passengers not to remain passive, but to actively support road safety efforts by speaking up against unsafe driving practices and reporting erring drivers.
“Passengers have a critical role to play in ensuring their own safety. They should not hesitate to caution drivers or report dangerous driving behaviour,” he said.
He assured that the FRSC would continue to strengthen its public enlightenment campaigns, enforcement strategies, and partnerships with key stakeholders to curb road crashes and improve traffic management nationwide.
He reiterated the corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives on the roads, urging all road users to imbibe a culture of safety, responsibility, and mutual respect.
“Sustained sensitisation and compliance with safety standards will not only reduce road crashes, but also enhance national productivity by ensuring safer and more efficient movement of people and goods,” he emphasised.
Osondu further reaffirmed that the FRSC would not relent in its mandate of ensuring safer roads, especially during peak travel periods such as the Easter celebrations, when road traffic incidents were often heightened.(NAN)
