“…MOST CRASHES OCCUR DUE TO ANXIETY” – ACM GILBERT IGBOKWE
By Okosun Dennis
The Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 2, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), ACM Gilbert Igbokwe has cautioned motorists and other road users against being anxious during Ember months, saying anxiety is responsible for most road crashes during festive periods.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at 2023 flagging off of Ember Months Sensitization Campaign organized by ACC Esther Uzoma, Unit Commander, Lagos Island Unit Command, held at the T & M Park, CMS, on Tuesday, said that crashes that occurred largely due to drivers being anxious, overload, overspeed resulting to crashes.
The Zonal Commanding Officer was represented by the Zonal Head of Operations, Zone 2 comprising Lagos and Ogun, CC Dovou Patrick Dung reminded motorists that the lives of the passengers they are conveying are in their care and, therefore, should embrace defensive driving.
The flag-off ceremony was performed by the Commander of 055 Nigerian Airforce, who was represented by Flight Lieutenant O.E Ajimotokan.
Igbokwe explained, “Remove anxiety, and emotion and calm down just like in other months. When driving, remember you have a family and if an accident happens and death occurs, the family will suffer. Minimize road crashes as we want everybody to celebrate.”
In her speech, the Unit Commander, Lagos Island, Assistant Corps Commander Esther Uzoma, whose unit organized the flag off, while speaking on the theme: “Speed Thrills, But Kills … drive responsibly & avoid overloading,” disclosed that overspeeding is responsible for 96% of crashes on our roads just as she added that of the 1.3 million people that died on world’s roads due to crashes, developing nations, including Nigeria, accounts for 91%.
Explaining further, she noted that the sensitization programme was a strategic intervention towards elevating the consciousness of Nigerians towards safe road use and increasing the reminders for travelers and vehicle owners alike to imbibe a reliable and dependable practice, adding that crashes are no respecter of an individual.
“Once we enter Ember months, activities change and increase because people realise that they have not met their new year resolution and they activate speed mode to meet up their demands or expectations.
“This is to remind us that crashes result due to our carelessness and we are responsible for it. Ember months have no evil spirit attached to them, weather or season. We are the prime cause and must find a solution to it. Drivers and passengers are in a hurry and want to make extra gains. As a result, they engage in careless driving, overloaded with loads and animals without bothering about the state of their vehicles.
“When you drive irresponsibly, you cause danger to others; and when you don’t maintain your vehicles and engage in alcoholic drinks while you drive, you get fatigued and endanger lives.
“For us at FRSC Lagos Island Unit Command, we shall be deploying the full capacity of the command for a multi-dimensional intervention in the forms of enforcement operation, traffic control, public enlightenment and education, and rapid response to emergencies. Our vision for 2023 Operation Zero remains Zero Fatality,” ACC Uzoma reiterated.
In her Goodwill message, Colonel Stella Nkiru Ibeh, Managing Director, Nigerian Army Drug Manufacturing Company (NADMACO), Bonny Cantonment, charged motorists to be responsible while driving, admonishing them to shun roadside drug dealers but patronize qualified, registered pharmacists.
Decrying drug abuses in motor parks, she added that such drugs cause drowsiness and intoxication hence some tend to overspeed resulting in crashes as their judgment has been impaired.
Other speakers are Mr. John Nwabueze, the Public Relations Officer, Zone F, Fire Service, who called on drivers to check their battery terminals to avoid sparks that could lead to fire. Importantly, he added, they should ensure they have functional fire extinguishers in their vehicles.
He used the opportunity to educate drivers that thrung the flag off on the “P.A.S.S” slogan; calling on them to aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire should any vehicle catch fire. He lamented that unfortunately, he reiterated, some drivers don’t adhere to P.A.S.S. because some don’t only lack knowledge but they don’t adhere to the Standard Operation Procedure. Nwabueze advised: “Think Safety, Practice Safety, and ensure your business is safe.”
Mrs. Akinsanya Olayinka Rashidat of LASTMA, Lagos Island Command in her message decried the flagrant disregard to traffic rules and regulations, noting that some drivers don’t have driver’s licence while some drivers disrespect traffic lights, roads signs especially “Zebra Crossing.”
The NDLEA Commander, Ojo Ogbechama, cautioned participants to disabuse alcoholism as our community is becoming a drug consumption community, adding that Nigeria needs a state of emergency to fight against drug use which is daily abused even in most motor parks. “Avoid had I know,” he concluded.
Speaking on the importance of water and driving, General Manager, Delmila Water, Blessing Omolu, encouraged motorists to drink more water which reduces fatigue and stress, adding that more water and no alcohol rehydrate and keeps the bodies alert and healthy.
However, Barrister Taiwo Onayinka, who represented the Chairman, Iru/Victoria Island Local Government Area, Hon Princess Rasheedat Adu preached love and brotherliness which should serve as a balm that drives the consciousness while driving.
In his admonition, the Public Relations Officer of T & M Parks, Yusuf Isah Lanre commended the Unit Commander, FRSC Lagos Island, ACC Esther Uzoma for her ingenuity not only for the theme but also for choosing their park for the 2023 Ember months flag off.
Also, a first responder from Health Emergency Initiatives, Dr Abigail lectured motorists and passengers on the importance of having a mobile First Aid box in a vehicle that would be handy to provide prompt treatment to crash victims.
The well-attended flag-off had the Divisional Police Officer of Dolphin police station who was represented by ASP Okayinde Gbadamosi, NURTW workers and affiliate groups, drivers, invited guests.
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