The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says Nigeria has recorded a decline in road crash fatalities compared to previous years.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a press briefing to mark the inauguration of the 2025 Ember Months road safety sensitisation campaign.

Mr Mohammed said that the ember month campaign was an annual tradition through which the FRSC intensified advocacy and public enlightenment on safer road use, especially during the high-travel season.

According to him, the ember period is often characterised by increased movement, heavy traffic, and a rise in road crash injuries and fatalities, which the Corps seeks to curtail through strategic sensitisation.

He expressed appreciation to members of the press for their consistent support and commitment to promoting road safety awareness across the country.

He also described the media as a critical partner in orientation and enlightenment, hence the need for engagement.

Speaking on the campaign theme, “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” Mr Mohammed said that it underscored the human factor.

This, he said, accounted for one of the major causes of road crashes, stressing that drivers were largely responsible for incidents on the highways.

According to him, between January and September 2025, the Corps recorded 6,858 road crashes, in which 3,433 persons were killed and 22,162 were injured nationwide.

Mr Mohammed added that the records showed the major causes of crashes were linked to driver fatigue.

“Others are overloading of persons and goods, conveyance of passengers in haulage vehicles, and travelling with fuel in plastic containers,” he said.

He stressed that driver behaviour remained a fundamental element in ensuring safety on Nigerian roads.

Mr Mohammed added that the 2025 end-of-year campaign was expected to deepen awareness and encourage motorists to take safety more seriously.

“The choice of this year’s theme was deliberate and well thought-out.

“It is aimed at addressing driver-induced infractions such as failure to obey traffic rules, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, seat belt violations, and road rage, among others,” he said.

He assured that the Corps would sustain enforcement and public education efforts to ensure safer highways during the yuletide and beyond.

The corps marshal urged motorists to demonstrate discipline, patience, and responsibility while on the road.

He stressed that collective adherence to safety rules would help reduce crashes and related deaths across the country.

(NAN)