By Christian Njoku
CALABAR (NAN, CONVERSEER) – Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has urged motorists to celebrate responsibly during the Yuletide, warning against reckless driving that could lead to road crashes.
Otu disclosed this on Thursday in Calabar during a Town Hall Meeting organised by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to further advocate against reckless and distracted driving during the “ember months”
The theme of the event was: “Take responsibility for your safety, avoid distracted driving.”
Represented by Mr Ekpenyong Cobham, Commissioner for Transport, the governor stressed that Christmas was a season of celebration, not irresponsibility, urging drivers to prioritise safety and self-preservation while on the road.
He said many road users had abandoned proper driving education, opting instead for an apprenticeship, which increases accident risks due to ignorance of traffic laws and poor driving habits.
He cautioned drivers against alcohol consumption, phone use, and other distractions while driving, noting that 90 per cent of road safety responsibility rests on individual motorists.
“It’s not the duty of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to perform magic when drivers act irresponsibly, if you drink or drive carelessly, you endanger your own life,” he said.
READ ALSO: NYCN suspends Ugep Chairman over alleged misconduct
He emphasised that driving was a mechanical process that responded strictly to human control, urging motorists to maintain discipline and patience while observing road signs and traffic lights.
“Those who disregard traffic regulations and become reckless, risk fatal consequences, leaving families bereaved and in sorrow,” he cautioned.
Similarly, SC Innocent Etuk, FRSC Sector Commander, for Cross River commended the governor’s efforts in improving road infrastructure, stressing that most crashes were caused by human error and poor driving attitudes.
Etuk said the Corps has increased personnel deployment across the state to manage the expected traffic surge during the Calabar Carnival and other end-of-year activities.
“I urge all road users to adopt a paradigm shift in driving culture and take personal responsibility for safety to ensure crash-free celebrations this December,” he said
On his part, CP Bello Afegbua, Cross River State Commissioner of Police, advised motorists to control their temper, avoid overspeeding, and shun alcohol and drug use while driving during the festive period.
He urged drivers to remain calm and focused, and to refrain from unnecessary anger, adding that a moment of anger at the wheel could end a life forever.
While advising road users to stay vigilant and obey traffic rules, Afegbua urged them to prioritise both safety and security to prevent avoidable accidents and criminal incidents on highways.
“I want to use this opportunity to call for continuous public enlightenment on road safety, because it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure safer roads in Cross River during the Yuletide season,” he noted.
The meeting, which was well attended, had representatives from the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, transport unions, paramilitary agencies, and the Nigerian Red Cross, among others. (NAN)
