Abuja: The President, Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA), Dr. Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, has urged motorists to embrace safety consciousness and take personal responsibility for their actions while on the road. Shehu-Mohammed made the call in Abuja at a town hall meeting organized by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the town hall meeting is ‘Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.’ She stressed that road safety was a shared and civic responsibility that required the collective efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that every road user arrives safely at their destination. Shehu-Mohammed emphasized, “Road safety is not a single-handed responsibility; it is a collaborative effort. We must all put our hands on deck to ensure safety on our roads, not only during the Ember Months but as a daily responsibility.”
The ROSOWA president noted that women played a vital role in promoting road safety, adding that they serve as the caretakers of their families, handling tasks such as school runs, market trips, and ensuring general family well-being. She advised drivers and vehicle owners to always check their vehicles before embarking on any trip, no matter how short the distance, to ensure that all parts are in good condition. She stated, “As women, we are caretakers of the family. We do the school runs, market runs, and all that it takes to see that our families are safe and well put together. I urge everyone to do the needful. Check your vehicles before you set out on any journey, even if it is within town.”
The ROSOWA president encouraged all drivers, both male and female, to be mindful of their safety and that of others, particularly during the Ember Months when road activities increase. She stressed the importance of avoiding distractions such as texting and phone calls and advocated against the influence of drugs and alcohol while driving. “When you embark on a journey free from such influences, you are more likely to arrive safely and live to celebrate life,’ she added.
In his presentation, retired Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM), Mr. Jonas Agwu, highlighted that distracted driving remains one of the major causes of avoidable road crashes. Agwu warned that actions such as making phone calls, texting, adjusting car radios, or engaging in lengthy conversations while driving have led to fatal consequences. He advised motorists to avoid multitasking while driving and stressed the need to pull over when tired or drowsy. Agwu urged, “Minimise distractions, stay alert to other road users, watch out for distracted drivers, and report any unruly behaviour observed on the road.”