The Federal Road Safety Corps has admonished drivers, passengers and pedestrians to take responsibility of their safety to avoid road crashes.

Dr Samuel Ibitoye, The FRSC Ondo State Sector Commander, Dr Samuel Ibitoye, gave the advice on Saturday at a road safety stakeholders’ town hall meeting of 2025 Ember months held at Achievers University, Owo in Ondo State.

The stakeholders meeting was organised by the command in collaboration with Achievers University, Owo.

Mr Ibitoye, who explained that thousands of road crashes were recorded in 2024, especially during the ember months, said the deaths recorded were not acceptable.

The sector commander called on major stakeholders to join hands with the FRSC to tackle the menace, saying “the stakeholders should not allow themselves to be part of terrible statistics.”

Mr Ibitoye said, “RTCs kill and claim more lives than other things. So, in Nigeria today, people are dying day by day on the road. And the deaths recorded on our road is not acceptable. So, we are appealing to stakeholders to ensure they take responsibility of their safety because their lives are at stake when they enter the vehicle. Don’t allow others to dictate your safety, take ownership of your safety.

“Drivers should not be distracted by the passengers or by their own actions and inactions, either visually or manually. As passengers, don’t sleep or use earphones when you board a vehicle, participate in road safety so that the driver will not put a stop to your destiny. Advice the driver politely when the need comes up.’’

He called on passengers, pedestrians, and especially drivers not to engage in what could put their mind off the critical job of driving.

He stated, “The driver has to concentrate on his driving so that the roads will be clear from unnecessary deaths and serious injuries.’’

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Prof Irinoye Omolola, commended the FRSC for their professionalism in making the road safer.

The VC stated, “Without the road safety officials, the roads would have been a death trap.’’

The VC, represented by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Aremu Oyesoji, admonished drivers to be cautious whenever they were on the wheel to avoid crashes.

He said, “As a driver especially driver’s union, you take 70 per cent participation as road users, please join hands with the FRSC and Nigerians to make our roads safer.’’

Also, General Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Owo branch, Wale Babalola, applauded FRSC for the sensitisation.

Mr Babalola promised members’ commitment to traffic rules and regulations.

He advised drivers to see ember months as other months to ensure they celebrated the yelutide season in peace.

The representative of Olowo of Owo, NDLEA, NSCDC, students, among others were present at the town-hall meeting.

(NAN)