FRSC warns of rising deaths and injuries in Anambra road crashes, urging motorists to avoid speeding and distracted driving this ember season.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has raised serious concern over the alarming rate of Anambra road crashes, confirming that 21 people have lost their lives and 144 others sustained injuries between January and October 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing to launch the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment Campaign in Awka, the Anambra Sector Commander, Bridget Asekhauno, disclosed that 57 crashes occurred during the period, mostly caused by overspeeding and distracted driving.
According to Asekhauno, the campaign themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” was designed to encourage motorists to obey traffic regulations and prioritize their own safety.
“The ember months usually record higher movement of people and goods, leading to heavy traffic and reckless driving.
“This campaign aims to remind everyone that safety starts with individual responsibility,” she said.
FRSC Intensifies Safety Awareness Across Anambra
As part of efforts to reduce Anambra road crashes, the FRSC announced a series of awareness programs, including motorcade rallies and town hall meetings across major towns and motor parks in the state.
“We’ll be holding motorcade rallies to sensitize drivers and passengers about the dangers of distracted driving, while our town hall meetings will bring together drivers’ unions, road transport operators, and other safety stakeholders,” Asekhauno explained.
She said FRSC officers would also undergo in-house training and retraining to ensure they operate with professionalism and discipline during the ember season patrols.
“Our men are briefed every morning to ensure they maintain professionalism. Where you find one or two officers misbehaving, it doesn’t mean the system lacks discipline—there are deviants in every organization,” she added.
Corps Marshal Identifies Human Error as Main Cause
Delivering the address of the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the Sector Commander said the 2025 End-of-Year campaign was chosen to tackle human errors that remain a major factor in Anambra road crashes and other accidents nationwide.
Citing the 2024 Operation Zero report, Mohammed revealed that 432 people died and 2,070 were injured in 533 reported road crashes across Nigeria during the last festive period.
He said most crashes were caused by driver fatigue, overloading of passengers, use of haulage vehicles for human transport, and carrying fuel in plastic containers.
“Driver behaviour determines safety outcomes on our highways,” Mohammed said.
“The theme reinforces the fact that the human factor remains the dominant cause of road crashes. Every motorist must take responsibility for their safety and that of others.”
Ember Months: A Season of Increased Travel and Risk
The FRSC explained that the ember months—October through December—are characterized by an upsurge in travel activities, resulting in higher traffic volume and increased Anambra road crashes.
“This period comes with excitement and urgency. Many people travel long distances, some drive at night, others speed to meet deadlines—all these heighten the risk of accidents,” Asekhauno warned.
She advised motorists to service their vehicles, rest adequately before long trips, and avoid night journeys where visibility and fatigue could endanger lives.
Asekhauno also appealed to passengers to speak up when drivers engage in reckless behavior or use mobile phones while driving.
“Safety is everyone’s duty. Passengers should not remain silent when their lives are in danger,” she stressed.
FRSC Strengthens Collaboration and Enforcement
To curb Anambra road crashes, the FRSC said it is working closely with other law enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Police, Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), and State Traffic Management authorities.
Joint operations, speed checks, and enforcement patrols will be intensified along major routes such as the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, Awka-Ekwulobia Road, and Nnewi-Owerri Highway.
Community and religious leaders have also been urged to use their platforms to promote the message of safe driving.
“We all have a role to play—churches, mosques, community groups, and schools must join the campaign to save lives,” Asekhauno said.
Renewed Commitment to Safer Roads
Reiterating the Corps’ determination to reduce the growing rate of Anambra road crashes, Asekhauno reaffirmed that the FRSC remains steadfast in its mission to ensure safer roads and fewer casualties during the festive season and beyond.
“Our goal is zero fatality on the roads. With effective enforcement, sustained public enlightenment, and community support, we believe this is achievable,” she said.
She urged drivers to call the FRSC emergency number 122 to report reckless driving or road obstructions, emphasizing that quick intervention can prevent tragedies.
The Sector Commander concluded by urging the public to obey traffic lights, use seat belts, avoid drinking while driving, and maintain vehicles regularly to prevent mechanical faults that could lead to crashes.
“If everyone obeys traffic rules, we will save countless lives and families from avoidable grief this ember season,” she added.
More news at ireport247news
About The Author
