The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged politicians and party supporters in Nigeria to adopt safe driving practices during political campaigns. According to Mr. Samson Kaura, FRSC Sector Commander in Gombe State, the appeal is necessary to promote safe driving and responsible road use throughout the campaign period. He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe, emphasizing the need for compliance with traffic regulations to prevent endangering other road users.
Kaura warned that reckless driving and excessive speed during campaigns could result in road crashes, injuries, and loss of lives. He urged political parties, candidates, and supporters to ensure their drivers and campaign trains obey all road-use rules. The sector commander emphasized the importance of sensitizing drivers, particularly against speeding in built-up areas where children and animals could cross roads. This, he said, would help prevent avoidable casualties.
The FRSC sector commander advised political stakeholders to ensure that all their drivers are sensitized to avoid speeding, especially in built-up areas. He also urged them to educate their drivers on the importance of obeying traffic laws and not putting members of the public at risk. Kaura emphasized that members of the public have the right to use roads safely, regardless of political activities taking place around them.
Kaura warned political parties and other motorists against substance abuse while driving, describing it as dangerous and unlawful. He said using substances capable of influencing a driver’s behavior could impair safe driving and increase the likelihood of road crashes. The sector commander also warned that drivers caught abusing substances while on the road would face the consequences prescribed by law.
The FRSC has commenced sensitization of political stakeholders in Gombe State to promote responsible driving throughout the campaign period. Kaura urged political parties to educate their drivers and ensure that only properly licensed drivers are allowed to operate campaign vehicles. He also cautioned against overloading, particularly when supporters climb onto vehicles or are packed beyond their safe capacity.
Overloading, Kaura said, would only increase the number of casualties in cases of crashes, and that is why the FRSC is saying no to overloading. He emphasized that the FRSC would enforce traffic regulations and ensure that drivers comply with safety standards. The sector commander also urged the public to report any cases of reckless driving or substance abuse by drivers.
The FRSC’s warning is part of its efforts to promote road safety during the campaign period. The sector commander expressed hope that political stakeholders would take the warning seriously and ensure that their drivers adopt safe driving practices. By doing so, Kaura said, they can help prevent road crashes and ensure the safety of all road users.
Key points
- FRSC urges politicians to avoid reckless driving during campaigns
- Politicians warned against substance abuse while driving
- FRSC commences sensitization of political stakeholders on responsible driving
