The Kuje unit command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has warned motorists against traffic violations, saying they must obey traffic rules and regulations during the ember period.
The unit commander of the FRSC in the area, Mr Charles Umoh, stated this on Friday during the flag off of the 2015 ember months safety road show, tagged ‘Driving Safely Into 2016’.
He said the significance of the exercise was aimed at sensitizing motorists on the need to strictly adhere to traffic rules and the dangers of reckless driving during the yuletide period.
He said road crashes are not mere occurrences but negligence by motorists, especially commercial drivers which can be reduced by building good road-user attitudes and adherence to traffic rules.
He said records show that arrogance on the part of drivers in terms of over-speeding, expired tires, drunk-driving and over-loading vehicles are the major causes of road accidents.
“Accidents do not just happen; they are caused by road users as a result of negligence and disobedience of traffic rules and regulations.
“Road traffic crashes are not mere occurrences but largely human, which can be reduced through conscious effort by driving carefully and strict adherence to traffic rules.
“All we need to do on our highways is to examine our driving attitude to stay clear of any unhealthy practices and to be promoters of road safety advocacy,’’ he said.
The unit commander also called for partnership with the Kuje Transport Union and FRSC Kuje command to work in synergy to reduce road accidents to the barest.
He assured there would be zero crash during and after the yuletide period as road marshals would be vigilant during the festival.
The FRSC FCT Sector Commander, represented by the Deputy Corps Commander, Mr Udeme Eshiet, urged motorists in the area to obey traffic rules and drive safely into 2016.
He said unsafe conditions were factors responsible for road accidents and could be averted by strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations.
He urged taxi drivers and motorcycle riders in the area to obey road traffic rules during and after the Christmas period to ensure that innocent lives are not lost.
“The road users need to be conscious of safety while on the road, and the need to change their attitude from negative to positive,” he said.