The Federal Road Safety Corps has called on traditional rulers and community leaders in Osun State to use their influence to promote responsible road use and discourage motorists from violating traffic regulations.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Osun, Mr Sunday Adebayo, made the call on Monday during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Olufi of Gbonganland, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, in Gbongan.
Adebayo, who was accompanied by the Gbongan Unit Commander, Dr Jude Odinfono, said traditional institutions remained critical to changing public behaviour and strengthening road safety within communities.
He disclosed that 220 road traffic crashes were recorded across the state last year, involving about 300 vehicles, with approximately 60 people losing their lives and several others sustaining injuries.
According to him, many of the crashes were linked to dangerous driving practices, including excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, route violations and overloading.
The sector commander therefore appealed to traditional rulers and members of the Olufi-in-Council to deploy their influence in discouraging motorists from engaging in practices that endanger the lives of other road users.
“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.
He also urged passengers to take responsibility for their safety by speaking out whenever drivers behave recklessly or appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“I advised passengers to speak up when drivers conveying them drive recklessly, speeding excessively or 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.
Adebayo reiterated the corps’ warning that “speeding thrills but kills faster,” urging motorists to prioritise the safety of themselves and other road users over speed and convenience.
He stressed that reducing road crashes could not be achieved by the FRSC alone, noting that collective responsibility and community-based interventions were essential to saving lives on the roads.
Responding, the Olufi of Gbonganland, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, acknowledged the importance of the FRSC’s road safety mandate and pledged the support of the traditional institution towards promoting safer roads in Gbonganland and its environs.
The monarch, who was represented by the Balogun of Gbonganland, Mr Quasim Onikepe, said the visit provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the FRSC and the traditional institution.
He noted that preventing road crashes required a shared commitment from government agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents.
Meanwhile, the Osun Sector Command inaugurated a mini library for officers at the Gbongan Unit Command as part of efforts to promote learning and professional development among personnel.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Gbongan Unit Commander, Dr Jude Odinfono, is expected to support reading, research, continuous professional development and lifelong learning among officers.