In continuation of the ongoing last quarter of the year public enlightenment campaign by Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which served as reminder to all road users the advantages of being obedience to traffic rules during the festive period which usually characterised with high volume of both human and vehicular movements due to Socio-Economic activities, the RS9.31 Unit Command, Aba in Abia State, yesterday joined other Commands of the Corps to organised rigorous safety campaigns to both drivers and passengers at Peace Mass Transit Park, Enyimba, which is one of the busiest parks in the state.
FRSC, being the Nigeria's leading agency in traffic management, have over the years taking it upon itself to always engaged in 'ember months' campaign across the Corps Commands to sensitise the road users the importance of obeying all traffic rules that will enable them arrive safely while using the roads during the last four months of every year as both human and vehicular movements usually increased without minding the safety protocols, thereby resulting to traffic crashes.
The RS9.31 Unit Commander ACC Kokoete A Ekpenyong, in his welcoming address at the flag-off of the 2020 'ember months campaign at the Peace Mass Transit Park, said it is common knowledge that FRSC core mandate is to always embark on all strategies that would continuously making the highway safe for motorists and all road users.
He said the year's 'ember months' themed: “Drive Safe, Stay Safe”, aptly choosen to let all road users understand that a journey is not over unless you arrive safely to your destination. "Motorists, commuters and all road users have vital roles in ensuring their safety on the roads this yuletide and always.
"Yearly, the FRSC engages all stakeholders on prevention of road traffic crashes (RTCs), especially during the 'ember months'. It is worthy of note that the 'ember months' are not different or magical than any other months except that within these months. People strive to make ends meet at all cost for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
"This involves lots of journeys/travels sometimes without adequate planning and preparations. Motorists and commuters should not be misled by the euphoria of the festive season and begin the festivities on the road as the roads are not a festival ground. The FRSC has a saying “The Road is very patient but does not forgive”. I urge us all to comply with all traffic rules and regulations in this Christmas and beyond.
"We implore all stakeholders to consciously and collectively act to ensure safety on our highways. In whatever capacity we function, whether as government, traditional, road transport unions, clergy, traders etc, we must at all times educate our members on the need for safety on the roads and in all aspects of life.
"The theme, “DRIVE SAFE, STAY SAFE” equally reflects the current global challenge of the COVID-19 where compliance to safety measures is extremely important. Safety must be our basic concern this festive season so as not to be involved in avoidable crashes.
"As we journey safely through to the New Year, I wish to enjoin all road users to please obey all traffic rules and regulations: -For those traveling by distances, remember to check the mechanical efficiency of your vehicles before embarking on that journey.
-Check your vehicle tyres, all tyres have expiry dates; vehicle tyres are expected to expire after 4years from the date of manufacture (all things being equal). These dates are stamped on the tyres. Be sure you check those dates before purchasing your tyres.
-Avoid unnecessary speed; speed thrills but it kills. There is no advantage for excess speed. Apart from increase in wear and tear, the probability of crash is very high. Avoid overloading, use of phone while driving, always use your seatbelt, avoid driving against traffic, do not drink and drive and avoid wrongful overtaking.
"Remember to always avoid road rage (competition), say no to underage driving/riding, say yes to vehicle parade before embarking on a journey, say yes to adequate rest, to a planned journey, to rest of 15 minutes after every four(4) hours of continuous driving.
"These are our responsibilities to ourselves and to the nation. We must work together to preserve our generation and those yet unborn, “Only the Living celebrates," he concluded.
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