The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom State has officially launched its 2023 ember month campaign, aimed at educating drivers about the risks associated with disregarding traffic regulations, particularly during the festive season.
During the launch, Mr. Dauda Biu, the FRSC Corps Marshall, emphasized the need to avoid overloading and overspeeding. He specifically cautioned commercial drivers, who are often guilty of these infractions, highlighting the potential dangers they pose to the lives and property of passengers.
Representing the Corps Marshall at the event in Itam short-distance motor park in Uyo, Mr. Ogbonna Okwara, the Deputy Sector Commander from Rivers State, stated, “This is a wake-up call to remind everybody in society that we have to be careful because, during this period, there is usually an upsurge in the number of people and vehicles on the road.”
He added, “It is on this note that motorists should drive within the prescribed speed limit and they must be conscious enough to avoid reckless driving and also carry out maintenance on their vehicles before putting them on the road.”
Prior to Mr. Okwara’s address, Akwa Ibom State Sector Commander, Matthew Olonisaye, represented by Deputy Corps Marshall Philip Ayodele, assured that the Corps would enforce strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations.
According to him, “The Corps, being aware of the incessant crashes chronicled in the ember months, usually orchestrated by the recalcitrant attitude of some road users during the period, deploys this awareness strategy to enlighten the motoring public on the destructive consequences of road traffic crashes to enable the achievement of FRSC 2023 Corporate Strategic Goal of 5% reduction in road traffic Deaths and Injuries.”
“It is pertinent to note that the command is poised to take proactive measures towards promoting traffic safety in the state. The motoring public is enjoined to desist from acts capable of endangering lives and property of road users, Compliance with traffic rules and regulations should be of utmost concern to the motoring public. Motorists are advised to avoid over speeding, use of phone while driving, driving against the flow of traffic with their looming undesirable outcomes,” he added.
Officially commencing the campaign, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO), Mr. Joseph Ebong, urged the public to adhere to traffic rules and regulations and not perceive FRSC officials as adversaries while carrying out their duties.
