The corps marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has appealed to motorists across the country to prioritise safety and strictly obey traffic regulations during New Year travels to ensure a crash-free celebration.

Mr Mohammed made the appeal in a statement signed by Olusegun Ogungbemide, the assistant corps marshal (ACM) and corps public education officer (CPEO), on Thursday in Abuja.

The FRSC boss cautioned that the joy of ushering in a new year should not be overshadowed by avoidable road traffic crashes resulting from speed violations, drunk driving, dangerous overtaking and wilful disregard for traffic laws.

He noted that experience over the years had shown that the New Year period usually recorded increased vehicular movement, fatigue-induced driving and reckless road use, factors which significantly heightened the risk of crashes.

He, therefore, urged motorists to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy before embarking on journeys, obey speed limits and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Mr Mohammed also advised drivers to pay full attention to the road, plan their trips properly and take adequate rest to avoid fatigue-related crashes.

He further called on travellers to cooperate with traffic and other safety agencies deployed across the country to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhanced safety on major highways and critical corridors.

Reassuring Nigerians of the corps’ preparedness, the corps marshal stated that FRSC personnel had been strategically deployed nationwide to manage traffic, enforce compliance with road safety regulations and respond promptly to emergencies.

Emphasising that road safety remained a shared responsibility, he appealed to all road users to make safety-conscious decisions capable of protecting lives and property as the nation stepped into the New Year.

He wished all Nigerians a productive, peaceful and safer New Year.

(NAN)