By Ejiofor Toochi
As Nigeria enters the final months of the year, the ember period, the call for safer roads has never been more urgent. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recently raised concerns over the rising number of road accidents across Nigeria. According to the data, 3,433 people were killed and 22,162 others were injured in 6,858 crashes between January and September 2025.
The ember months, often marked by increased travel, festivities, and commercial activity, tend to witness a spike in road crashes. Drivers hurry to meet deadlines, vehicles carry more passengers and goods, and road conditions worsen under pressure.
Yet, most of these accidents are preventable if motorists and passengers take personal responsibility for their own safety. The FRSC, in response, has outlined several safety tips to help Nigerians navigate the ember months responsibly:
• Drive defensively, not aggressively: Always anticipate the mistakes of others and yield when necessary. Insisting on the right of way can lead to avoidable collisions.
• Avoid road rage: Stay calm and patient, even when provoked. A moment of anger can result in irreversible damage.
• Don’t overload vehicles: Overloading not only strains the vehicle but also increases the risk of fatal crashes. Carry only the number of passengers or load your vehicle can safely handle.
• Do not travel with fuel in plastic containers: It is unsafe, illegal, and highly flammable. Refuel only at filling stations and avoid storing extra petrol within vehicles.
• Stay alert and rest adequately: Fatigue slows reaction time. Drivers are advised to take breaks every two hours during long trips and avoid driving when sleepy.
• Resist fuel scooping: In the event of a tanker crash or spillage, keep a safe distance and report to emergency responders. Fuel scooping has resulted in several explosions and deaths.
• Maintain your vehicle: Check brakes, tyres, lights, and wipers before hitting the road. Poor maintenance remains a silent killer on highways.
• Obey traffic rules and avoid distractions: Refrain from using phones while driving, follow speed limits, and ensure every passenger wears a seatbelt.
In addition, FRSC commenced the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment Campaign with the theme “Take Responsibility For Your Safety, Stop Distracted Driving.”
As Nigerians prepare for the festive season, road users are urged to stay cautious and obey traffic rules.
