By Karen James
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has raised alarms over the increasing number of road accidents associated with the Ember months—September to December—due to high expenditures and the rising cost of goods, which exert undue pressure on drivers, especially in the commercial sector.
During a press briefing, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra State, CC Alexander, highlighted key reasons behind the increase in road mishaps. According to her, the financial strain during the Ember months pushes commercial drivers to overwork in an effort to recover lost income from earlier in the year. This rush for additional trips often leads to reckless driving, speeding, and fatigue, with some drivers even falling asleep behind the wheel.
In response to these rising concerns, Alexander revealed that her Command would soon flag off the Ember Months Campaign, a public safety initiative aimed at curbing the alarming trends. She sought the collaboration of the media in disseminating critical road safety messages to drivers and road users, particularly those in high-risk areas.
“The partnership between the FRSC and the media has been essential in promoting public enlightenment,” Alexander said. With a background in journalism, she emphasized the importance of media in driving home the road safety message, particularly during the Ember months, and called for even greater synergy to ensure road users adhere to safety guidelines.
Alexander also expressed her determination to build on the successes of her predecessors, with a focus on surpassing previous safety achievements in Anambra State. Her goal, she said, is to create lasting road safety awareness that reduces accidents during the Ember months and beyond.
As the FRSC ramps up its efforts, the public is urged to exercise caution, drive responsibly, and adhere to all road safety regulations during this critical period.
