By IBIRONKE ARIYO

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged motorists and other road users to drive responsibly and obey traffic rules to reduce road crashes during the Sallah festive period.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, gave the advice on Monday, at a Sallah Mega Rally held at the Sani Abacha Park, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

Mohammed, represented by Felicia Kalu, Acting Corps Public Education Officer (ACPEO), noted that road crashes usually increase during festive periods because many drivers fail to adhere to basic road safety regulations.

According to him, crashes recorded during festive periods are not caused by mysterious factors, but by the behaviour of road users.

”It is not about magic or anything; it is about how we use the road. When drivers obey simple traffic rules and maintain their vehicles properly, there will be fewer road traffic crashes.”

He therefore advised drivers embarking on long-distance journeys to ensure they were well rested and that their vehicles were in good condition before traveling.

He also warned against driving vehicles that had been parked for long periods without proper servicing.

”Some people park their vehicles for a long time without servicing them and then suddenly decide to travel with them. While we pray to God for safety, we must also do our part by ensuring our vehicles are roadworthy.

Drivers should check their tyres, ensure vehicle components are functioning properly and avoid distractions while driving,” he advised.

The FRSC boss also urged drivers to remain focused while driving and avoid activities that could divert their attention from the road.

He cautioned against accepting packages to be delivered along travel routes, noting that such activities could distract drivers and increase the risk of crashes.

Mohammed further appealed to passengers to play active roles in ensuring safety by cautioning drivers against reckless behaviour.

“If your driver is over-speeding, driving dangerously or overtaking recklessly, question him. If he refuses to listen, calmly wait until you see the next traffic stop and report the driver to any road safety official on duty,” he said.

The corps marshal explained that the choice of Sani Abacha Park, Mararaba, for the rally was strategic because the park serves as a major transit point for travelers heading to the northern part of the country.

“We know this park is always busy during festive periods with many motorists traveling to the northern parts of the country; so it provides an opportunity to reach a large number of road users with safety messages,” he said.

The FRSC boss reiterated that road safety was the responsibility of all road users and emphasised the need for strict compliance with traffic regulations during the festive season.

“Our message today is safe driving. Road safety is everybody’s business, and during this Sallah celebration, we want motorists to avoid dangerous driving, speeding and other traffic infractions that can lead to road traffic crashes,” he said.

Mohammed also warned motorists against traffic violations such as speeding and overloading, noting that such offences were common during festive periods when travelers were often in a hurry.

He said FRSC personnel had been deployed across major highways to monitor compliance with traffic regulations.

“This period, our men are all over the roads. Anyone who commits traffic infractions will be arrested and made to pay the prescribed fines.

“Mobile courts have also been introduced during the period to ensure speedy trial of offenders where traffic instantly,” he added.

The FRSC Chief noted that the corps was also paying attention to specific offences, including the use of vehicles with fake or unauthorised number plates.

According to him, our operatives are watching out for such vehicles and they will be arrested once caught.

Mohammed appealed to motorists and passengers to cooperate with road safety officials to ensure a crash-free Sallah celebration.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Sani Abacha Motor Park, Mr Muhammad Sani, urged drivers to prioritise safety and comply with transport regulations during the Sallah festive travels.

Sani revealed that the park executives regularly held meetings with drivers and vehicle owners to ensure strict compliance with safety guidelines, particularly regarding the number of passengers carried per trip.

According to him, drivers have been instructed not to exceed the approved passenger capacity of their vehicles.

“We always meet with our drivers and vehicle owners to remind them of the rules. A vehicle that is meant to carry 14 or 15 passengers must not exceed that number.”

The chairman of the park advised drivers to exercise patience and caution on the highways, stressing that safety should not be compromised because of the rush associated with festive travel.

He also appealed to drivers and passengers to cooperate with authorities to ensure safe journeys during the Sallah celebrations.

“The message to our drivers is that they should drive carefully and be patient on the road. Safety must come first,” he emphasised. (NAN)