The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has urged motorists to exercise maximum caution as heavy rainfall is expected across the country, warning that poor visibility, slippery roads and other weather related hazards significantly increase the risk of road traffic crashes.
The Corps Marshal advised drivers to adopt all necessary safety precautions before and during every journey, stressing that driving in the rain demands greater vigilance, reduced speed and strict adherence to traffic regulations to ensure safe arrival at their destinations.
In a statement signed by Osondu Ohaeriin Abuja on Wednesday, he directed motorists to thoroughly inspect their vehicles before setting out by ensuring that windows and windshields are clean inside and outside, headlights, brake lights, tail lights and turn signals are in good working condition, and windshield wipers and blades function effectively.
He further instructed drivers to switch on their headlights whenever it rains, regardless of the time of day, and to reduce speed by observing what he described as the “common sense speed limit” appropriate for prevailing weather conditions.
Shehu Mohammed also emphasised the importance of tyre safety, noting that tyres are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road.
He advised motorists to ensure their tyres have adequate tread depth and proper grip, especially during the rainy season when road surfaces become slippery and stopping distances increase.
To strengthen compliance, the Corps Marshal directed all Commanding Officers nationwide to intensify traffic calming operations, public enlightenment campaigns and vehicle inspections, with particular attention to the functionality of windshield wipers and other critical safety components.
He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads and urged motorists to “drive to stay alive.”
Meanwhile, the FRSC has taken note of a reckless driving incident aired on a Channels Television programme monitored on Wednesday, in which a nonchalant driver was captured driving dangerously along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The programme’s presenters condemned the act, warning that such behaviour poses a serious threat not only to the offending driver but also to other road users.
Responding to the incident, the Corps Marshal assured the public that the FRSC will continue to enforce traffic laws without compromise and ensure that erring motorists are appropriately sanctioned to serve as a deterrent.
He reaffirmed that the Corps remains committed to promoting discipline, responsible driving and the protection of lives on Nigeria’s highways.