The Acting Unit Commander, Itori Unit Command Ogun, FRSC Mr Uko Uko, gave the charge on Wednesday during a roadshow and motor park rally held in Itori and Wasami motor parks in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign has the theme “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”
Uko said that the FRSC had intensified its Ember Months safety campaign to curb road crashes caused by distracted driving.
He noted that the campaign was part of nationwide efforts directed by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, to promote safer road use during the high-risk Ember Months.
He emphasised that road safety was a collective responsibility and called on all road users to be vigilant.
According to him, the Ember Months, which span from September to December, usually record increased vehicular movements and a rise in road traffic crashes across the country.
Uko noted that the FRSC had adopted innovative advocacy strategies, including roadshows, motor park sensitisation, and community engagement to enlighten both drivers and passengers.
He said that human factors accounted for about 80 per cent of road crashes, adding that distracted driving such as phone use, fiddling with gadgets, or arguing while driving remained a leading cause.
He said that the sensitisation also covered the economic, health and mental costs of road traffic crashes in Nigeria, and urged the drivers to understand the broader impact of unsafe driving.
The acting unit commander added that the campaign highlighted the legal implication of disobeying traffic rules and regulations, warning motorists that violations would attract serious penalties under the law.
The FRSC, he said, also discouraged overloading of goods and passengers, speeding, urging the drivers to always have consideration for other road users to ensure collective safety.
“This year, we are going out to engage the people. Asking everyone to participate in the campaign is not just talking to drivers but also engaging commuters to let them know they have roles to play
“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring safety. Avoid distractions and obey traffic rules so that our roads will be safe for all,” he said.
Uko further urged motorists to download and utilise the FRSC Mobile App introduced by the Corps Marshal, which provides real-time traffic updates, safety alerts and other features related to road safety.
He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to reducing road crashes through continuous education, enforcement, and collaboration with transport unions and community stakeholders.
