Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has again debunked the notion that ember months and festive seasons are characterized by evil spirits which cause road traffic crashes at higher rate than other times of the year.
Deputy Corps Commander, Policy, Research and Statistics Department, Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra State Sector Command, John Oku, spoke during hospital visitation to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, (COOUTH) Amaku to conclude the 2024 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, observed to pay homage to those who died in road traffic crashes.
He said, “We come here to see those RTC victims to give them some consumables to aid their quick recovery. I want Nigerians to know that Christmas or Ember month is not characterized by any spirit. It’s characterized by negligence, greed.
“We want to make more trips because there are plentiful people on the way. We want to run and come back and carry more.
Remember, it’s only the living that celebrates. You cannot celebrate when you are dead. So, we are urging everybody to take things easy. Check your vehicle before you embark on your trip. If you are fatigued, sleep and rest and continue so that we will be able to have a joyful celebration during Christmas.”
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “RTC kills more passengers than drivers”, Oku said, “Only one driver is involved when it happens, but many passengers and other road users. So, don’t sit quiet if your driver is over speeding or becoming reckless. Call him to order”.
Oku condemned the growing trend that sees many people recording accident scenes instead of saving the lives of victims.
“So, we appeal, if you cannot directly help, call our toll-free number. We will link the nearest team to the scene that will rescue those people. The earlier they get to the hospital, within the golden hour, the better for us because more lives will be saved,” he added.
Chairperson, Road Safety Officers Wives Association, (ROSOWA), Anambra State Sector Command, Mrs Chinwe Nwokike, said caution should be the guiding principle for all road users during these ember months.
“Wrong human attitudes pose greater challenges to all of us on the road. We are all directly or indirectly affected. SO, I beg everybody to be very careful. Let us have our lives because it’s very important to our wives, our husbands, our children, and to all our relatives. Do not bring sorrow into your family ahead of festivity.
“Our drivers, ROSOWA begs you to drive with care. Remember that you are carrying human beings and not sardines. Be careful so that we’ll be safe”.
