Nigeria’s Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), has flagged off the 2016 Ember Months campaign in Lagos, south West of the country. It is an annual campaign aimed at enlightening the public on safe use of road, especially between September and December, when vehicular movement is higher than any period in the year.
The campaign was supported by Guinness Nigeria, an alcohol beverage company, and it focused on the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse, especially in relation to driving.
In a speech, Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Hyginus Omeje called on motorists to adhere strictly to road safety standard.
“As we officially flag off this year’s ember months road safety responsible drinking campaign, I charge everyone to re-direct their minds toward good road use by obeying all rules and regulations.
“It is our collective responsibility to eradicate or reduce the ever increasing volume of road crashes on our roads,” he said.
Speaking on the 2016 theme, “Crash the crash: Speed kills” he emphasised that driving under alcohol influence has contributed greatly to the high number of road traffic crashes recorded in Nigeria.
He commended Guinness Nigeria for donating breathalyzers to the FRSC last year, which assisted the Commission in carrying out extensive sobriety tests, by randomly breathalyzing drivers within Lagos state.
In a remark, Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Peter Ndegwa said his company had partnered the FRSC for over a decade to jointly deliver ember months campaigns that annually reach millions of Nigerians.
“The timing of this campaign takes into cognisance the high frequency of vehicular movement during ember months, particularly during the Christmas season. Historically, the occurrence of road accidents also increases during ember months. This campaign therefore aims to help prevent alcohol-related accidents this season,” Ndegwa said.
Ndegwa also commended the FRSC for their critical role they play in helping to reduce accidents on the nation’s highways.
“As a company, we are proud of the impact we will be able to make through our partnership with the FRSC and other stakeholders this season. I’m positive that our collective actions will help promote the culture of responsible drinking and ensure the safety of Nigerians traveling to various destinations,” he enthused.
The event drew participants from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, among others.
