Chinedum Treasure
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has refuted mysterious insinuations surrounding ember months, describing the months as mere period of increased human and commercial activities.
Anambra State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno stated this on Tuesday, during a press briefing at the FRSC State Headquarters in Awka as part of activities marking the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
She regretted that many families have lost loved ones to road crashes, saying the period was opportunity to educate drivers and other road users on need to make safety a priority.
Asekhauno urged motorists to avoid speeding, install speed-limiting devices in their vehicles and refrain from night driving because of poor visibility and the possibility of delayed emergency response.
“Ember Months are not mysterious months. It is simply a period when too many activities take place at the same time.
“We want our people to be careful so that we can all remain alive to celebrate Christmas and enter the New Year,” she said.
The FRSC boss identified poor visibility and absence of immediate emergency assistance on highways at night as among reasons motorists were discouraged from night travelling.
According to her, accident victims involved in night crashes were often exposed to greater risks because bystanders, first responders and other emergency support services might not be readily available to assist them.
She noted that victims with serious injuries could bleed to death due to delays in accessing medical attention.
The 2026 commemoration has as its theme, ‘A Light That Unites Us,’ while the decade’s slogan is ‘Remember, Support, Act’.
The week-long activities for the 2026 commemoration will run from Monday, November 9, to Sunday, November 15.
Addressing newsmen during the briefing, the Anambra FRSC Sector Commander also pointed out that motorists who experience mechanical problems, such as flat tyres, at night might find it difficult to get assistance from vulcanisers and roadside mechanics.
She attributed the continued occurrence of road crashes, despite the Corps’ public enlightenment and enforcement activities, largely to poor attitudes among motorists, identifying excessive speeding and human recklessness as major causes of road fatalities.
Asekhauno said the FRSC was intensifying its engagement with traditional rulers, motor park operators and other transportation stakeholders to encourage safer road practices among their subjects and members.
She urged motorists to observe necessary safety precautions before embarking on journeys, while calling on pedestrians to use the roads responsibly.
Asekhauno explained that the United Nations had designated the third week of November for the annual remembrance to provide an opportunity to honour those killed or seriously injured in road crashes, recognise the contributions of emergency responders and advocate better support for victims and their families.
She added that the remembrance also provides a platform to demand appropriate legal responses to road traffic offences resulting in deaths and injuries, while promoting evidence-based measures to prevent further tragedies.
The FRSC Sector Commander said the Anambra Command had continued to strengthen public enlightenment campaigns through churches, mosques, schools and the media as part of efforts to improve road safety awareness.
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