LAGOS- The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Guinness Nigeria Plc have described road safety as a collective responsibility that should be embraced by all.
The two organisations said this at the FRSC Ember Months town hall meeting in collaboration with Guinness Nigeria on Thursday in Lagos.
The day had the theme: ‘Speaks Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers than Drivers.’
Speaking, ACM Irelewuyi Adeoye, Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC, lamented that the economic and social impact of road crashes in Nigeria were alarming and must be checked.
“Road traffic accidents affects economic growth in Nigeria and socioeconomic variables like population growth, urbanisation and vehicle ownership contributes to the incidence of Road traffic accidents.
“Nigeria losses about N80 billion annually to road accidents, social impacts are human cost, emotional trauma, socio economic consequences and others,” he said.
Adeoye represented by DCC Emma Ifekoya, called for concerted efforts to prevent road crashes and mitigate their impacts on the economy and the nation.
He added that the meeting was aimed at stimulating conversations on how speaking up against dangerous driving could improve road safety.
“The ember months span from September to December and are particularly critical because it is a period when increased road travel is experienced with corresponding rise in road traffic crashes.
“It is, therefore, significant to note that this meeting also aligns with the FRSC’s ongoing “Ember Months” campaign, focused on empowering commuters to know their rights and speak out against reckless driving through the launched FRSC mobile application,” he said.
Also speaking, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat of the FRSC Lagos Sector Command, said the purpose of the meeting was to ensure safety on the roads.
“The purpose of this town hall meeting is to foster open dialogue between road users—be the private vehicle owners, public transport operators, cyclists, pedestrians, and all those who navigate the streets of Lagos.
“We recognise that our roads are a shared resource, and its vital to ensure that all perspectives are heard as we discuss current challenges and explore innovative solutions.
“It marks the continuation of our collective effort to ensure safer roads, safer drivers, and safer passengers. We reaffirm our commitment to preventing road crashes and their devastating consequences,” he said.
Mr Girish Sharma, the Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, described road safety as a collective responsibility.
“We are here today to empower passengers, the often-overlooked stakeholders, to speak up when they encounter reckless driving and to remind everyone that silence is not an option when lives and safety are at stake.
“Moreover, as a company deeply committed to responsible drinking, we urge everyone to make smart choices.
“Responsible drinking is about making conscious decisions that protect ourselves and those around us. Drinking and driving simply do not mix, and we ask everyone to consider this as they make choices this season.
“At Guinness Nigeria, we believe in creating a culture where smart choices are celebrated – where each of us is part of a collective effort to make our roads safer,” he said.
Sharma noted that the organisation’s road safety and responsible drinking initiatives over the years reflect this commitment.
“Through our Smashed Project, we have reached over 36,000 students across 80 schools, educating the next generation on the dangers of underage drinking and reckless behaviour.
“In addition, our DRINKIQ programme has engaged more than 400 participants in partnership with government agencies, with the dedication of 50 Guinness Nigeria volunteers who work tirelessly to promote safe choices,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting had in attendance the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, schools, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Special Marshals, Representative of Bale of Ojodu Berger and others. (NAN)
