As reported by Punch, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has called on passengers across Nigeria to stay vigilant and actively communicate with drivers during journeys to enhance road safety.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Ember Months campaign in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday, themed “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers Than Drivers,” Mohammed emphasized the importance of passenger engagement in preventing road accidents.

Represented by Muftau Irekeola, the FRSC Sector Commander in Kwara State, he highlighted that during the busy Yuletide season, traffic congestion and road accidents increase, often resulting in the tragic loss of lives and property.

“This situation is worsened by the reckless behaviours of some motorists, creating a distressing environment for travellers, government agencies, and stakeholders, including the FRSC,” he said.

To foster a safer motoring environment in the country, the FRSC has ordered the immediate launch of extensive public enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with heightened enforcement measures.

According to him, the new policies aim not only to enhance road transportation by encouraging responsible driving behaviour but also to position Nigeria as a safety-conscious nation within the global community.

Over the next three days, from Tuesday to Thursday, the FRSC will engage stakeholders through town hall meetings, motorcade events, and advocacy sessions at transit, rest areas, and loading bays.

“This approach is based on the need to engage passengers and encourage them to assert their rights, thereby curbing drivers’ excesses, as statistics show that more passengers are killed in road traffic crashes than drivers,” he added.

The Corps Marshal further explained that the FRSC is focusing on re-educating passengers, helping them understand their rights. He stressed that the agreement between drivers and passengers should be that while drivers ensure passengers reach their destinations safely, passengers have the right to remain uninjured, unharmed, and respected throughout their journey.

He also advised drivers to act responsibly on the road.

The event was attended by members of the Road Transport Employers Association, National Union of Road Transport Workers, and Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria.