2023 Ember Months: FRSC, SIFAX, NDLEA Counsel Drivers On Overspeeding

FASHINA SHAKIRU

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Sifax Shipping company and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) have launched the “ember” month” road safety awareness campaign in Lagos and cautioned motorists on dangerous driving. 

Speaking with commercial drivers and owners at Mile 2 Park, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, FRSC Assistant Corps Commander Unit, RS2.13 Apapa Unit Command, Godwin C’ Ajuonuwa, said drivers should say no to road traffic crashes this ember months and beyond.

Ajuonuwa said that this year’s 2023 Ember Months: Theme Speed Thrills, But Kills: Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading is to create awareness among motorists and rekindle their interest in the need to be safety conscious at all times and adopt the principle of defensive driving while using the road.

During the `Ember’ months; September, October November and December, most drivers would want to travel today and come back the same day, thereby leading cause of crashes on the road. The FRSC therefore, wants all road users to be cautious of their speed level.

According to him, the ember months are periods of full expectations to set target for the year. It is the period that triggers items of vehicular human traffic, and drivers need to be careful, drive safely, and responsibly. A good driver is one driving his passanger’s safety to their destination by abiding by rules and regulations guiding highway driving.

The representative of Sifax Shipping company, Adewale Adetayo, noted that it is obvious that the roads are bad, which results in most crashes or accidents, especially the roads that lead to the economy of the nation, Apapa port. Unfortunately, they are not premium roads.

Adetayo appealed to the State and Federal Government to prioritize the road to reduce the rate of accidents as the waste experienced in the economy could be stopped.

“This campaign awareness initiative, Sifax Shipping company stands committed for corporate social responsibility. On several occasions, we have made palliatives on road maintainance for avoidable accident by fixing some roads in the state.”

“We are safely cautious, and we know what staying alive means to anyone. It is our commitment to continue to support a programme ike this anywhere in this country whenever we are called upon and will give them hands of support and advice.”

NDLEA Chief Superintendent NARCOTIC, FESTAC Town, Afenfia Ebia Imoke, cautioned motorists to stop taking drugs, especially tramadol, as these damage organs and destroy lives, adding that the effect of drug abuse affects functional human cells and the brain.

She noted that driving is a noble profession that is related to major skills; cognitive and psychomotor skills when illicit drugs can affect major parts of one’s body driving will be difficult.

“That is why we organize this type of programme to create awareness for transporters and drivers in this Mile 2, park Lagos/Badagry expressway on dangers of drug abuse and its effect on health and driving.”

Imoke appreciated their sustained collaboration to promote safer road culture on Nigerian highways.

The members of the National Union of  Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Amuwo Odofin branch, private transport companies, drivers, and other relevant stakeholders were aware of the campaigns.