FRSC Warns Motorists Against Mixing Passengers with Goods

 FRSC Warns Motorists Against Mixing Passengers with Goods

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a stern warning to motorists, transport operators, and passengers nationwide regarding the dangers of overloading vehicles and mixing passengers with goods ¹. This warning comes as a response to the alarming number of accidents caused by these reckless practices.

According to the FRSC, carrying human beings alongside heavy loads not only exposes them to extreme risk but also destabilizes the vehicle, making it difficult for the driver to maintain proper control. In the event of sudden braking, swerving, or a crash, lives can be lost instantly because passengers seated on top of the vehicle or clinging to unsafe positions are completely unprotected.

The corps emphasized that vehicles are designed with specific capacities, and exceeding those limits places everyone on the road in danger. Overloading accelerates wear and tear on the vehicle, increases the risk of tire bursts, and reduces braking efficiency.

To drive home the severity of this issue, the FRSC shared photographs of overloaded vehicles, highlighting the grave risks such practices pose to lives and property. The corps urged all road users to adopt a safety-first approach to travel, reminding them that journeys should never be made at the expense of human lives.

In a similar vein, the Ondo State Command of the FRSC reiterated its commitment to prosecuting motorists engaging in overloading across the state. The FRSC State Sector Commander, Mr. Ezekiel SonAllah, stated that any driver caught with an overloaded vehicle would face severe punishment.

SonAllah emphasized that passengers also have a critical role to play in ensuring their safety. "As a passenger, if you know that the vehicle is overloaded and you value your life, you don’t need to enter such a vehicle," he advised.

The FRSC's warning serves as a timely reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for collective responsibility in preventing accidents. As the corps continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all road users, it is imperative that motorists, transport operators, and passengers take heed of this warning and adhere to safety guidelines.

In conclusion, the FRSC's warning against mixing passengers with goods is a clarion call to action. It is our collective responsibility to prioritize road safety and ensure that our journeys are made with caution and respect for human life. By working together, we can reduce the number of accidents on our roads and make Nigeria's highways safer for everyone.