As part of efforts to reduce incidences of road traffic crashes, before and during Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC has flagged off this year’s ’ember months’ public enlightenment Campaign in Lagos.
The campaign was flagged off on Tuesday in Lagos State with a call on motorists to imbibe care and avoid undue haste while driving throughout the season.
The Nigerian Breweries Plc in partnership with the FRSC and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW organized the campaign.
Marking the seventh edition of the annual event, tagged: “Don’t Drink and Drive,” the event was held at the Agege Motor Park of the NURTW.
Speaking at the event, Hyginus Omeje, Lagos Sector Commander, FRSC said statistics from the various enforcement agencies in Lagos have shown that between 2010 and 2013 alone, a total of “17, 561 road crashes occurred in Lagos while 1,991 of these crashes were fatal and 7,058 were serious.”
Omeje said most disturbing is the fact that “A total number of 2,287 people were killed while 8,643 others were injured.”
The FRSC commander said about 13, 000 people are killed every year in alcohol related accidents, adding that “There is no excuse for drunk-driving.”
Omeje therefore warned that Nigerians must change their attitude to life and living. He said road users should not wait until a road safety official or other enforcement agent is present at a traffic spot before they obey traffic rules.
On her part, Emete Tonokare, a representative of Nigerian Breweries said this year’s tittle was prompt because, “We are not only interested in marketing our products, but managing the safety of our customers especially while driving during this season.”
Officers of the Nigerian Customs Service, Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO and Nigeria Police Force also attended the event.
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