The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has pledged to adopt a zero-tolerance stance against reckless drivers during and after the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

The FRSC corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, made this known on Wednesday at a Sallah rally in Abuja, organised to sensitise road users on safe driving habits.

Mr Mohammed also warned that all traffic offenders would face prosecution.

The corp marshal emphasised that the FRSC would strictly enforce laws against speeding, overloading, drunk driving, and other disruptive behaviours behind the wheel.

He, however, expressed concern about the national image projected through poor road culture, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.

He criticised the trend of overloading vehicles, describing it as dangerous and unacceptable, adding, Three in front, six at the back. It doesn’t speak well of us.”

“This time around, we are not leaving any stone unturned. Any recalcitrant driver that we catch is going to face prosecution.

“Our crash analysis shows that over 70 per cent of road traffic crashes annually are caused by speeding,” he said.

Mr Mohammed also advised drivers and passengers to take responsibility for safety.

”Abuja is the heart of Nigeria. If our roads are chaotic here, it sends the wrong message to the world. When visitors arrive, the first thing they notice is our driving culture,” he stated.

Mr Mohammed also warned against destructive behaviours such as using phones, watching inappropriate content, or eating while driving.

”We don’t condone this anymore. We are going to enforce it strictly,” he added.

The FRSC boss called on the public, especially commuters, to speak up when their safety was threatened by reckless drivers.

He also appealed to the media to support FRSC’s sensitisation efforts, stressing that a crash-free Sallah was possible through cooperation, enforcement, and education.

Jibrin Uke, Zonal chairman Karu, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), commended the FRSC for engaging drivers in safety education ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

(NAN)