The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has once again emphasized the importance of understanding the real causes of road accidents, urging Nigerians to stop attributing crashes to evil spirits or demons. The call was made by Oyo Sector Commander, Mrs. Rosemary Alo, during a two-day seminar on creating a safer motoring environment in Nigeria, held in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The seminar, themed “Creating a Safe Motoring Environment in Nigeria: A Collective Responsibility of All Citizens,” was aimed at educating safety officers, transport unions, government agencies, and civil society organizations on effective road safety measures. The event was organized in collaboration with the Dr. Tunde Aladesanmi Road Safety Foundation.
Addressing the issue of supernatural explanations for accidents, Alo firmly rejected the notion that spirits or demons were to blame. She stressed that road crashes were typically caused by human errors, such as speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which significantly increase the risk of accidents. She urged drivers to stay fully focused on the road, as violating safety rules leads to dangerous conditions that contribute to crashes.
Alo pointed out that a large number of accidents were caused by negligence and a lack of respect for road safety regulations. She called for collective action from all Nigerians, stressing that road safety is not solely the responsibility of traffic authorities or vehicle manufacturers. She emphasized that everyone, from government agencies to individuals, must take part in promoting safer roads.
Additionally, Alo shared that the FRSC had implemented measures to monitor driving schools more effectively. This included the establishment of a dedicated team to oversee compliance with driving school standards, ensuring that facilities and instructors met required competencies.
Dr. Ken Adegoke, President of the Dr. Tunde Aladesanmi Road Safety Foundation, explained that the foundation was created in memory of Dr. Tunde Aladesanmi, who tragically lost his life in a road accident in 2016, along with other doctors. The foundation is dedicated to preventing unnecessary fatalities on Nigerian roads through collaboration with key stakeholders like the FRSC.
Mr. Esho Giwa, Chairman of the Tricycle Division of the Park Management System (PMS), praised the seminar for raising awareness about road signs, safe driving practices, and other essential safety rules. He urged the FRSC to make such seminars a regular event to further educate the public on road safety.
