The Federal Road Safety Corps has called on motorists to strictly observe safety measures during the rainy season in order to reduce road crashes.

The command’s sector commander, Bridget Asekhanuo, stated this on Wednesday in Awka, Anambra.

Ms Asekhanuo said that the advice had become necessary as the rainy season intensified with forecasts indicating heavier rainfall in the country.

She urged motorists to ensure their tyres have adequate tread depth and proper traction to maintain effective grip on wet road surfaces and that vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey.

“Tyres remain one of the most critical safety components of any vehicle because they are the only points of contact with the road.

“Driving during rainfall poses significant risks due to reduced visibility, slippery road surfaces, and other hazardous conditions that can result in road crashes if adequate precautions are not taken.

“Drivers should carefully clean their vehicle windows and windscreens, both inside and outside. They should inspect essential safety components, such as headlights, brake lights, tail lights, turn signals, windscreen wipers and wiper blades to ensure they function effectively,” she said.

Ms Asekhanuo also advised motorists to switch on their vehicle lights whenever it rained, irrespective of the time of day, to enhance visibility for all road users.

She further urged drivers to reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance and apply what she described as the “common sense speed limit’’ based on prevailing weather and road conditions.

To reinforce compliance, the FRSC chief directed all unit commanders in the state to intensify traffic calming operations and sustain public enlightenment campaigns throughout the rainy season.

She equally instructed the unit commanders to pay attention to the condition of the vehicle’s windscreen wipers during routine patrols and enforcement activities.

The sector commander reiterated the corps’ commitment to reducing road crashes and called on all road users to cooperate with FRSC by driving responsibly and obeying traffic regulations.

“Drive to stay alive,” she said.

(NAN)