By Joy Akinsanya
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Itori Unit Command in Ogun State, has cautioned motorists against over-speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving during the Ember Months.
The Acting Unit Commander, Chief Route Commander Uko Uko, gave the warning on Friday at a town hall meeting and the flag off of the 2025 Ember Months Safety Campaign in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the campaign, themed: “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving”, brought together transport unions, community leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, and commercial drivers.
Uko noted that the town hall meeting on the Ember month campaign aimed to promote communal engagement and collective responsibility for road safety during the season.
“The essence of the town hall meeting is to bring everyone together; commuters, traders, motorcyclists, and transport operators, to secure their commitment to road safety.
The campaign approach had shifted from park-to-park campaigns to community-wide engagement involving youth, religious and traditional leaders, and local associations.
He urged motorists to practice defensive driving using the acronym “COBWEBS” meaning, Coolant, Oil, Blinkers, Wheels, Energy, Brakes, Speed, and Seatbelt.
“It is better to arrive late than be the late. Avoid speeding and phone use while driving,or driving under the influence of alcohol or drug.
“As the theme implies, everyone has a role to play, we all use the roads, and safety is our collective responsibility,” he said.
He also encouraged motorists to download the FRSC mobile app for timely safety updates and emergency assistance.
The Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Hon. Sikiru Adeshina, commended the FRSC for organising the meeting and for its efforts in raising public awareness on safety issues.
Adeshina, represented by his vice, Mrs Abisola Aliyu, said that the FRSC’s efforts in keeping the road safe for everyone would help reduce crashes and prevent untimely loss of lives.
He emphasised the need for collective action to achieve safer roads, stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility, and not only for the security personnel.
He however lauded Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to road rehabilitation, particularly the ongoing Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway project.
On his part, Commander Olalekan Adewale, TRACE Divisional Commander in Ewekoro, urged motorists to be patient and reduce their speed due to ongoing rehabilitation works that have restricted the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway to one lane.
“We are appealing to drivers to exercise patience and caution. The road construction calls for greater discipline behind the wheel,” he said.
He urged all participants to spread the gospel of safety to their transport associations and ensure that traffic rules are obeyed.
Mr Shuaib Babatunde, the Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Ewekoro Branch, also appreciated the FRSC for the initiative and pledged continued collaboration with the corps.
“We will continue to work with the FRSC to keep our roads safe. We also advise our drivers not to drink alcohol or take drugs while driving,” he said.