The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Osun Sector Command, has called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers and community leaders to tackle road traffic crashes and improve safety across the state.
The Sector Commander, Mr Sunday Adebayo, made the call on Monday when he visited the Olufi of Gbonganland, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, in Gbongan.
Adebayo, who was accompanied by the Gbongan Unit Commander, Dr Jude Odinfono, said traditional institutions could play a crucial role in shaping public behaviour and encouraging compliance with road safety regulations.
He disclosed that 220 road traffic crashes involving 300 vehicles were recorded across Osun in the previous year, resulting in 60 deaths and leaving several other people injured.
According to him, dangerous driving, excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, route violations and overloading were among the major factors responsible for 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.
“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,” Adebayo said.
The sector commander also reiterated the FRSC’s warning that “speeding thrills but kills faster,” urging motorists to place safety above speed and convenience.
He stressed that reducing road crashes required the collective efforts of government agencies, traditional institutions, communities, motorists and other road users.
Adebayo said community-based interventions and shared responsibility remained essential to preventing avoidable crashes and protecting lives on the roads.
Responding, Oba Oyeniyi acknowledged the importance of the FRSC’s mandate and pledged the support of the traditional institution towards improving road safety and protecting lives in Gbonganland and neighbouring communities.
The monarch, who was represented by the Balogun of Gbonganland, Chief Quasim Onikepe, said the visit would also help deepen cooperation between the FRSC and the traditional institution.
It would be recalled that the sector command also inaugurated a mini library for officers at the Gbongan Unit Command.
The library was established through the initiative of the Gbongan Unit Commander, Dr Jude Odinfono.
FRSC seeks traditional rulers’ support to curb road crashes in Osun