As the “ember months” begin with the arrival of September, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a strong warning to motorists to drive safely and avoid dangerous road habits that could lead to fatal accidents.
The caution was given by Nasir Mohammed, the FRSC Commander in charge of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway, one of the busiest and most accident-prone highways in the South-West region.
In a statement made over the weekend, Mohammed said the ember months — September to December — often witness an increase in road traffic, crashes, and fatalities due to speed, night travel, and reckless driving.
“Speed is sweet, but it kills faster than deadly diseases in the world,” he warned, urging drivers to understand that no destination is worth a life lost on the road.
The commander specifically advised motorists to reduce their speed, follow road signs, and adhere to speed limits set by the authorities. According to him, speeding remains the leading cause of road accidents, especially during the busy ember months when people travel more frequently for business, festivals, and family visits.
He also strongly advised motorists against night travel, which is riskier due to poor visibility, tired drivers, and limited emergency response during night hours.
“Avoid traveling at night. A lot of crashes occur because of poor judgment and reduced visibility in the dark,” he said.
Mohammed further warned against drunk driving, saying that alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time. He reminded drivers that consuming alcohol before or during a journey is not only irresponsible but also a major contributor to road crashes.
He also cautioned against wrongful overtaking, dangerous lane changing, and ignoring traffic rules. According to him, these behaviours put not only the driver at risk but also passengers, other road users, and pedestrians.
As part of its strategy to reduce accidents, the FRSC says it will embark on aggressive public education campaigns and increase road patrols during the ember months.
“We are committed to ensuring road safety for all. Our officers will be visible on highways, enforcing traffic regulations and educating the public on safe driving,” Mohammed assured.
The FRSC also urged transport unions, private vehicle owners, and commercial drivers to take responsibility by conducting routine vehicle checks, maintaining proper documentation, and ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any trip.
The “ember months” are known for high travel activity across Nigeria, especially with holidays like Christmas and New Year approaching. The FRSC’s warning comes as part of a national effort to reduce road accidents and save lives during this busy season.
