The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Sector Command, has stepped up public enlightenment during the yuletide, sensitising motorists on the need to observe safety protocols on the highways.
The exercise, which held on Wednesday, saw the State Sector Commander, Dr Samuel Ibitoye, lead officers of the command to the Ilesha–Akure–Owo highway, where table water was distributed to motorists and travellers.
Ibitoye said the initiative was part of the corps’ show of love and care for road users, particularly those embarking on long journeys during the festive season.
“This is part of an advocacy programme for all motorists. There is need for them to be patient when they are on the road.
“Also, the water will help them to quench their thirst and help them to drive with care.
“The gospel is of patience, of safe driving, of not speeding unnecessarily, of not over loading their vehicles.
“They also need to care for other road users and not engage in road rage so that all Nigerians can have a safe trip on highways.
” So, if you see anybody misbehaving on the road, please give space for the person to move. When traffic occurs nobody can tell who will be injured or killed,” Ibitoye said.
He urged motorists to avoid distracted driving and embrace defensive driving techniques to reduce road crashes during the festivities.
While wishing Nigerians safe journeys and a merry Christmas and New Year, the sector commander stressed the importance of strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations throughout the festive period.
“We are pleading with Nigerians and want them to know that road safety cares for them, road safety also shares with them their experiences on the road.
“We are imploying you not to speed unnecessarily, not to overload your vehicles and care for your vehicles.
If this is taken to consideration, definitely we will have better and safer roads,” he said.
One of the motorists, who spoke anonymously, commended the FRSC for the gesture, noting that the sensitisation would encourage drivers to be more cautious, especially when tempted to overspeed.