The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned its officials against harassing female motorists during road traffic operations.

Henry Benamasia, the zonal commanding officer, RS 6 Port Harcourt, issued the warning on Thursday in Calabar during his fourth-quarter operational visit to the FRSC sector command in Cross River.

Mr Benamasia said officers should exhibit professionalism, courtesy, and respect while on road traffic operations.

The commanding officer, who was reacting to recent reports of alleged harassment of female drivers and passengers by personnel, said that such an act was not expected of trained road safety officers.

“Such actions damage public trust and undermine the corps’ mandate of saving lives and promoting safe use of the road.

“We should strictly enforce traffic laws. We should, however, do so humanely because our uniforms can intimidate motorists if not handled with discipline and restraint,” he said.

He expressed the need for improved capacity-building in road safety data management to support planning, budgeting, and data-driven interventions.

The official said that road safety had become a public health concern, saying, “Global statistics show that no fewer than one million people die annually from road traffic crashes.”

Mr Benamasia urged FRSC personnel to avoid corruption, drug abuse, and unprofessional conduct to ensure effective service delivery.

Innocent Etuk, the commander of the Cross River Command, said the command had intensified patrols, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the safety of road users.

Mr Etuk said the command had improved partnerships with stakeholders and increased deployment of personnel to flashpoints during the ‘Ember’ months.

He, however, said the sector was facing challenges arising from old patrol vehicles, equipment shortages, and operational incidents.

Mr Etuk expressed the sector’s commitment to effective service delivery through advocacy, enforcement, and strategic deployment, especially during the yuletide.

(NAN)