The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched a public enlightenment and sensitisation campaign aimed at curbing road crashes and promoting safe driving practices as the Ember Months approach in Rivers State.

The campaign, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” seeks to address the major causes of road crashes, including driver fatigue, overloading, and reckless driving.

The sector commander, Corps Commander Inyang Umoh, while addressing newsmen, emphasised the importance of responsible driving and urged motorists to adhere to traffic rules and regulations. The campaign,

According to him, the command recorded a significant number of road crashes in previous years, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

He attributed these crashes to driver-related causes, including failure to adhere to traffic rules, speed limit violations, driving under the influence, and seat belt violations.

Umoh, who identified driver behaviour as a fundamental element in determining safety on highways, said that to achieve the campaign’s objectives, the command has mapped out several measures.

He noted that FRSC personnel and special marshals will be deployed across major highways and crash-prone corridors to monitor and regulate driver behaviour.

He noted that a free vehicle check exercise will be conducted to improve vehicle roadworthiness, ensuring that vehicles on the road are in good condition.

According to him, the command will also organise motor park rallies and motorcar carnivals to raise awareness among motorists and the general public about the importance of safe driving practices.

He further said the FRSC will also engage in town hall meetings with transport unions, security agencies, and other critical road safety stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and promote road safety, saying the meetings will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities for improving road safety in the state.

Umoh, however, urged all residents to support the campaign and take responsibility for their safety on the roads, saying that by working together, the FRSC aims to reduce the number of road crashes and make the roads safer for everyone.