“AVOID THE GRAVE, NOT THE DRIVER!” – FRSC SPECIAL MARSHALS COMMUNITY LEADERS ISSUE HARSH WARNING AS EMBER MONTHS CAMPAIGN HITS ADO-EKITI
.... "Speak Up When Driven to Death," "Face Oncoming Traffic," "Shun Bad Vehicles" – Safety Marshals Rally Commercial Drivers, Passengers at Ayemi Garage
Determined to curb road tragedies during the festive period, the FRSC Unit 5 Special Marshals RS 8.2 Ekiti Sector Command on Saturday mobilized key transport unions and community leaders at Ayemi Garage, Ado-Ekiti, for a crucial Ember Months Campaign themed “Take Responsibility For Your Safety, Stop Distracted Driving.”
The State Coordinator Dr. Olumuyiwa Adedayo, delivered a stark, no-holds-barred safety sermon, urging commuters to be their own first line of defense. “It is no crime for you to inspect a vehicle’s tires,” he declared. “If a vehicle is visibly unroadworthy, refuse to board. It is better to be late than to become the late.”
Adedayo highlighted critical risks: “Avoid late-night travel. Beyond accidents, the risk of kidnapping is higher at night. Start your journeys early.” He also cautioned passengers against rudeness to drivers, advising polite engagement to ensure warnings are heeded. On Okada bikes, he was blunt: “If you see a bike with a collapsed handle, my brother, run for your life!”
In a vital safety hack for pedestrians, especially those trekking long distances, he mandated: “Face oncoming traffic, never back it. If you are on this side of the road, switch over so you can see vehicles coming towards you. This way, you can spot a struggling vehicle and take quick evasive action.”
Echoing this, Mr. Olokose Akinyemi, Chairman of Oreofe Quarters Landlords, commended the initiative and corroborated the advisory for pedestrians to face oncoming vehicles.
Representing the sector commander Cc Sanya Adeoye, Regular Marshal Mr. David Ekpekpe, delivered a fiery admonition. “When you see a driver driving you to death, speak up! You may not have that opportunity in the grave,” he warned. He attributed the perennial Ember months’ crashes to increased traffic and driver fatigue, as drivers push for quick profits. “May God help us not to make money and end up losing our lives… If you are tired, stop driving. There is no mistake in driving—only consequences.”
Mr. Yusuf Tope, representing the State RETAN Association, emphasized passenger patience and pledged the association’s support to FRSC by ensuring drivers maintain their vehicles.
The well-attended event featured Okada Riders, NURTW, RTEAN, Landlord Associations, other Marshal sectors, and members of the public.
Concluding, the State Coordinator Dr.Adedayo rallied all stakeholders: “Road safety is a shared duty. Let us commit to avoiding distractions, obeying rules, and respecting each other. Together, we can save lives and celebrate Christmas in peace.”
The event also featured an award presentation on deserving regular and special Marshals who have distinguished themselves in the service including the Sector commander Cc Sanya Adeoye,state coordinator special Marshal Dr.Olumuyiwa Adedayo and others.
