New Year Safety Alert: FRSC urges citizens to be vigilant when entering vehicles

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged Nigerians to avoid boarding vehicles with compromised security as the year 2025 approaches.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, noted that as end-of-year travels intensify, the roads will become busier than in previous months.

In a statement released on Saturday, Mohammed advised commuters to remain vigilant and watch out for signs of recklessness or intoxication in drivers before and during their journeys.

“This advisory is crucial following recent accidents, such as the crashes in Jebba, Kwara State, on Thursday, December 26, 2024, and on the Owo-Ikare route near the Ose bridge on December 28, 2024,” he stated.

He highlighted that many of these accidents were caused by drivers’ negligence or recklessness, compounded by passengers’ failure to intervene, caution the drivers, or report them to the FRSC or other security agencies along the routes.

“To reduce the risk of avoidable road crashes, passengers are advised to exercise caution when selecting vehicles, stay alert, and ensure that drivers are not under any influence before or during the trip,” he added.

The Corps Marshal emphasized that the safety of all road users remains a top priority. He encouraged passengers to take responsibility for their safety by being proactive. This includes checking drivers’ behavior, attitude, and assessing the vehicle’s condition, such as tires, brakes, and lighting systems, before boarding.

By adopting these simple precautions, Mohammed explained, commuters can significantly lower their chances of being involved in road crashes. He further assured the public of the FRSC’s continued efforts to implement necessary safety measures to protect road users.