Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called for strict penalties for motorists flouting road rules and regulations to stem the current spate of road crashes in Nigeria.

Mr Mbah made the call while flagging off the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) 2023 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign in Enugu on Thursday.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, also enjoined FRSC to ensure that there were consequences for irresponsible behaviour on the nation’s roads.

“As we embark on this awareness campaign, let us internalise the message of safety. Together, we can create a safer road environment for everyone,” he said.

Mr Mbah advised road users to be disciplined and responsible on the road, even as there is usually an increased traffic volume during the ember months, particularly toward the year-end. 

“The safety of roads is not just a government responsibility; it is a collective duty that each one of us must embrace.

“It starts with the public understanding of the importance of following traffic rules, respecting fellow road users and avoiding reckless behaviours, such as speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, etc.

“Again, the FRSC has a huge responsibility to touch and alert the public about these critical issues, in addition to statutory enforcement,” the governor said.

Also speaking, the FRSC sector commander in the state, Corps Commander Adeyemi Sokunbi, noted that speeding and rushing on the road were temptations that motorists must resist this season.

The sector commander cautioned against overloading vehicles, adding that it remained another critical issue to be addressed by motorists, especially commercial vehicle drivers.

Mr Sokunbi commended the FRSC corps marshal, Dauda Biu, for making the ember months’ campaign flag-off a reality, aside from his other numerous support to the command.

(NAN)