OSOGBO — The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged traditional rulers and community leaders in Osun State to intensify their involvement in road safety campaigns as part of efforts to reduce crashes and prevent avoidable deaths on the state’s roads.
The Osun Sector Commander, Mr Sunday Adebayo, made the appeal on Monday during a visit to the Olufi of Gbonganland, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, in Gbongan. Adebayo was accompanied by the Gbongan Unit Commander, Dr Jude Odinfono.
The sector commander said traditional institutions could influence the conduct of residents and road users, making their involvement important in encouraging motorists to comply with safety regulations.
Adebayo disclosed that 220 road traffic crashes involving 300 vehicles occurred across Osun in the previous year, with 60 people losing their lives and several others sustaining injuries.
He identified dangerous driving, excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, route violations and overloading among the major factors contributing to the crashes.
“We are appealing to traditional chiefs and members of the Olufi-in-Council to use their influence to discourage dangerous driving practices and promote a culture of safety among road users,” Adebayo said.
FRSC Urges Passengers to Act Against Reckless Driving
Adebayo also called on passengers to intervene when they notice dangerous conduct by drivers transporting them.
He advised passengers to challenge drivers who speed excessively, drive recklessly or appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, rather than remaining silent until an incident occurs.
“We are equally advising passengers to speak up when drivers conveying them drive recklessly, speed excessively or are suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Passengers should insist that such drivers discontinue the journey and promptly report the matter to the nearest FRSC patrol team or the police for appropriate intervention,” he said.
The commander reiterated the FRSC’s warning that “speeding thrills but kills faster,” urging motorists to prioritise safety over speed and convenience.
He said reducing road crashes required cooperation among government agencies, traditional institutions, communities, motorists, passengers and other road users.
Adebayo added that community-based interventions and shared responsibility were essential to preventing crashes that could otherwise be avoided.
Olufi Pledges Cooperation
Oba Oyeniyi acknowledged the importance of the FRSC’s mandate and pledged the support of the traditional institution for initiatives aimed at improving road safety and protecting residents in Gbonganland and neighbouring communities.
The monarch was represented by the Balogun of Gbonganland, Chief Quasim Onikepe, who said the engagement would further strengthen cooperation between the traditional institution and the road safety agency.
The FRSC’s Gbongan Unit Command has also received a mini library for its officers. The facility was established through an initiative of the unit commander, Dr Jude Odinfono.
FRSC Calls for Traditional Rulers’ Support as Osun Records 220 Road Crashes
