The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State on Wednesday warned motorists in Yewa North and its environs to shun speeding, excessive alcohol intake, and other reckless behaviours that could cause road accidents during the ember months.
The Unit Commander, ACC Ramoni Alade, gave the warning during a courtesy visit to Ayetoro, the council secretariat.
Alade said the agency had put in place measures to sensitise drivers on the need to avoid speeding through a programme tagged “Take Responsibility for your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” noting that all motor parks and stakeholders would be involved in the sensitisation exercise.
“We need to let them know that during the ember months, all road users, particularly drivers, must ensure their vehicles are in good condition. They should avoid speeding, check their tyres and ensure they are not expired.”
“They must also obey traffic rules. More importantly, motorists must not drink while driving or drive under the influence of alcohol, as it poses great risks,” he said.
The unit commander said that there was synergy between the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies, such as the Nigeria Police and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), to curb reckless driving during the ember months.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Council, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, commended the initiative, noting that the rally was imperative as there used to be an unprecedented increase in vehicular and human movement during the last four months of the year.
He said the sensitisation programme became necessary to encourage road users to adopt safety-conscious attitudes.
“Motorists should imbibe a safety consciousness approach and desist from the wrong use of highways. They should not speed or drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“They should check the water level and braking systems before putting their vehicles on the road, and also re-check when they return home at night to ensure that the vehicles are still in proper condition for the next day,” Akinbode advised.
On Tuesday, the news of the death of the Chief Route Commander and Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun Sector Command, Florence Okpe, was announced.
Okpe reportedly passed away on Tuesday in her hometown in Cross River State after battling an undisclosed illness.
The Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Akinwunmi Fasakin, confirmed her death to newsmen in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Tuesday.
Fasakin said the late officer had been ill for some time and was receiving treatment at a clinic in Ogun State before she was granted medical leave. He added that she died while recuperating in her hometown.
“We lost Okpe this morning, Tuesday. Her family has confirmed the sad news. She had been sick for a while and was attending a clinic here in Ogun until she was given medical leave, after which she travelled to her hometown in Cross River State, where she eventually died,” he said.
