- Mathew said the ember months campaign focuses on passengers as statistics had shown that passengers suffer more fatalities than drivers.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed most road accidents in Nigeria to driver negligence.
Edo Sector Commander Cyril Mathew made this statement at the “ember months” sensitization town hall meeting in Benin City.
Mathew explained that the campaign focuses on passengers, as statistics show they suffer more fatalities than drivers.
According to Mathew, Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) records indicate thousands of road traffic deaths annually, with a significant number being commercial vehicle passengers.
“The NBS statistic also said, approximately 63 per cent of all road traffic deaths involved passengers.”
Most accidents result from drivers’ reckless behavior, putting passengers at risk.
A study by FRSC revealed that passengers in commercial vehicles are more likely to sustain serious injuries or fatalities than drivers.
“This is often due to vehicle design prioritizing driver safety features like airbags.”
Passengers in poorly constructed vehicles lack these safety features.
“Passengers cannot influence drivers’ decisions, leaving them vulnerable to consequences of dangerous driving,” he said.
Mathew emphasized the importance of passengers speaking out to save lives.
He identified excessive speeding, driving under influence, and distracted driving as dangerous behaviors.
Mathew urged drivers to obey traffic rules for safe arrival at destinations.