FRSC Corps Marshal Urges Nigerians to Shun Distracted Driving Ahead of Festive Season

By our Correspondent

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mallam Shehu Mohammed, has urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their safety and avoid all forms of distracted driving as the festive season approaches.

Mallam Mohammed made the call in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the Ember Month Town Hall Meeting and the official flag-off of the 2025 Ember Month Campaign, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

He said the campaign aims to promote attitudinal change among motorists and reduce preventable road crashes during the period.

According to him, distracted driving has become one of the most common risky behaviours on Nigerian roads, often leading to fatal consequences.

“Mobile phone use while driving, arguments with passengers, eating behind the wheel, emotional stress, drug and alcohol influence, speeding, and driver fatigue have collectively led to avoidable crashes,” he noted.

The Corps Marshal explained that the decision to commence the 2025 Ember Month Campaign in Rivers State was deliberate, describing the state as one of Nigeria’s busiest transport and commercial hubs.

“The choice of Rivers State is even more apt during this festive period when there is a massive influx of travellers, increased commercial activities, and heightened vehicular movements,” he said.

Mallam Mohammed called on all road users to exercise discipline, vigilance, and caution on the highways to prevent further losses.

He further stated that the FRSC had strengthened its proactive interventions through improved operations, expanded public enlightenment, and the integration of technology into road safety management.

Highlighting the FRSC Mobile App as one of the Corps’ digital innovations, he said the platform enables passengers to report reckless drivers and access other safety features, urging citizens to take full advantage of it.

He added that all commanding officers had been directed to intensify stakeholder engagement and deepen community-based sensitisation to tackle human factors responsible for crashes.

The Corps Marshal commended the Rivers State Government for its commitment to road safety and infrastructural development, describing Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a leader who prioritises citizens’ welfare.

He also applauded the collaboration of the media, security agencies, transport unions, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, noting that their representation at the event demonstrated unity in the fight against road traffic fatalities.