The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kogi Sector Command, has expressed concern over the recent spike in road crashes on some major routes in the state.
The Sector Commander, Mr Solomon Agure, said this in a statement by FRSC Public Education Officer, Mr Ayodeji Oluwadunsin, on Friday in Lokoja.
Agure said that the spike in road crashes was due to carelessness of some recalcitrant drivers who failed to comply with simple traffic rules and regulations.
He noted that this was in spite of efforts by the corps to combat the incident and promote safety of highways across the state.
He said that the ember months were not different from the other months within the year, rather the excesses of people and, “I don’t care” attitude.
Agure said that motorists should be blamed for the negative influences commonly observed at this period.
”There is no evil spirit or blood sucking demons anywhere programmed to be crashing vehicles during these months.
”But on the contrary, it is people that need a change of orientation to put a check on these avoidable crashes on the highways,” he said.
Agure noted that among other factors contributing to road crashes included desire to meet up for targets which were not planned from the beginning of the year.
”Motorists are tempted to contravene traffic rules and regulations which leads to increase in crashes and their attendants fatalities or injuries,” he said.
Agure called on motorists to be disciplined as a key to maintaining high standard against anti-safety vices and achieving zero crashes.
He urged the people to join hands with the FRSC to fight against indiscipline on the roads for all to enjoy quality road experience as the year ends.
Agure also advised drivers to avoid drinking before driving, speeding, overload, endeavour to obey traffic lights as well as used safety seat belt.
”Motorists must not overtake wrongfully, consider other road users, ensure vehicle’s routine checks and maintenance regularly, resist temptation to break traffic rules and regulations.
”This will ensure that the public have a seamless link with the corps,” the sector commander said.
He advised the public to feel free to engage all FRSC available platforms such as the emergency toll free line: 122, social media platforms to report any case of road mishaps whenever they occur.