The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command, has called on motorists to adopt a change in attitude and exercise patience on the highways to reduce the risk of crashes.

Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC Ondo Sector Commander, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Akure, marking the 2024 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims. The theme for the day was “That Day.”

Ibitoye emphasized that impatience is a key factor contributing to most road accidents, adding that the impact of such crashes is felt deeply by the families and loved ones of the victims.

He urged all road users to reflect on the consequences of road traffic accidents, particularly on the day a loved one is lost or injured. He stressed the importance of attitude change for all drivers, cyclists, tri-cyclists, and the general public to reduce these preventable tragedies.

“Each road crash marks a day when a loved one is taken away, a person is injured, or families are left in pain,” he said. “The solution lies in having the patience to drive defensively, taking care of your vehicle, and being mindful of other road users. This is especially crucial during the ember months when road traffic is high.”

Ibitoye also urged motorists to avoid reckless driving, alcohol consumption, and excessive speed, reminding them that safety on the roads is a collective responsibility. He appealed to passengers to play an active role in ensuring safety by speaking up if a driver is driving dangerously, but without distracting the driver.

“Passengers must contribute to road safety, but in a way that doesn’t interfere with the driver’s focus,” he added. “It’s crucial that we all understand that road crashes often claim more passenger lives than those of the drivers.”

He reassured that the FRSC would continue collaborating with stakeholders to enhance public awareness on road safety and enforce traffic laws to deter offenders. As part of their initiatives, Ibitoye revealed that the command plans to partner with the Nigerian Medical Association to offer medical check-ups, including eye tests and blood pressure checks, for drivers across the state.