By Jude Atupulazi
Financial stress has been identified as one of the chief causes of road accidents in the country, especially during the last months of the year known as ”Ember” months. The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Anambra State, C.C. Alexander, stated this in a press briefing at her office in Awka, Anambra State.
According to her, the financial strain during the Ember months pushed commercial drivers to overwork in an effort to recover lost income from earlier in the year. This rush for additional trips, she noted, often led to reckless driving, speeding, and fatigue, with some drivers even falling asleep behind the wheel.
In response to these rising concerns, Alexander revealed that her Command would soon flag off the Ember Months Campaign, a public safety initiative aimed at curbing the alarming trend. She sought the collaboration of the media in disseminating critical road safety messages to drivers and road users, particularly those in high-risk areas.
‘The partnership between the FRSC and the media has been essential in promoting public enlightenment,” Alexander said. With a background in journalism, she emphasized the importance of media in driving home the road safety message, particularly during the Ember months, and called for even greater synergy to ensure road users adhered to safety guidelines.
Alexander also expressed her determination to build on the successes of her predecessors, with a focus on surpassing previous safety achievements in Anambra State. Her goal, she said, was to create lasting road safety awareness that reduced accidents during the Ember months and beyond.
As the FRSC ramps up its efforts, she urged the public to exercise caution, drive responsibly, and adhere to all road safety regulations during the critical period.