ROAD SAFETY OFFICERS WIVES PAY OFF MEDICAL BILLS FOR ROAD ACCIDENT VICTIMS

The Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association ROSOWA has settled the medical bills of some indigent road crash victims and donated relief materials to support patients receiving treatment at the National Hospital Trauma Centre, Abuja.

The gesture is part of activities marking the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, with the theme, “A Light to Unite Us.”

Speaking during a visit to road crash victims at the National Hospital, ROSOWA President, Dr Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, called on motorists to demonstrate compassion towards victims of road crashes.

“The gesture is intended to alleviate some of the difficulties faced by patients and their families while undergoing treatment”.

Dr Shehu-Mohammed urged motorists to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and ensure that injured persons receive prompt medical attention rather than abandoning them at accident scenes.

She explained that the visit, which was replicated across the federation, was aimed at identifying with people affected by road crashes, particularly victims receiving treatment and families who had lost loved ones.

According to her, the initiative was also an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and provide support to victims and their families, reassuring them that they were not alone in their difficult circumstances.

She said the association was guided by the theme, “A Light to Unite Us,” and the decade’s call to “Support, Remember and Act,” which emphasises collective action and solidarity with people affected by road traffic crashes.

The ROSOWA President also called on drivers involved in road crashes to demonstrate a sense of responsibility by stopping to assist victims rather than fleeing the scene.

“If you hit someone, don’t run. Have a conscience and ensure that the person you hit is taken to the hospital so that their life is not cut short.”

Dr Shehu-Mohammed further cautioned motorists against driving under the influence of alcohol, urging them to avoid the habit and ensure adequate rest before embarking on journeys.

She stressed that responsible driving and consideration for other road users were essential to creating a safer motoring environment and ensuring that travellers returned safely to their families.

Speaking on road safety during the Ember Months, the ROSOWA President said safety was a shared responsibility that required the commitment of all road users.

She listed pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and motorcyclists among those who must prioritise safety and comply with traffic regulations.

She also urged road users to wear appropriate safety gear, including reflective jackets where necessary, while advising parents and guardians to ensure that children were transported using appropriate child restraint systems.

The ROSOWA President particularly cautioned against allowing underage children to occupy the front seat of vehicles, stressing the need to ensure safer travelling conditions for them.

On the humanitarian support provided during the visit, she said the association donated detergents, tissue paper, other consumables and cash gifts to support the patients.