By Tola Gbadamosi

The Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Ezekiel SonAllah, has cautioned motorists in the state against overspeeding and night journeys to avoid crashes on the highways during the yuletide.

 He gave the caution during the 2023 ‘Ember Months’ campaign flag-off at Ilesa motor park in Akure organised  by the command with the theme:  “Speed Thrills But  Kills”.

SonAllah said that the 2023 ember months campaign was a deliberate and conscious effort to stem the tide of crashes and their attendant injuries and fatalities due to increase in movement across the country.

He said that over 80 per cent of movement of persons, goods and services were done on land, hence all road users needed to shun anything that could lead to loss of lives and property on the highways.

According to him, the campaign will lead to increased presence of the command’s operatives for both patrol and rescue mission across the state.

“So, we need to change our attitude while on the wheel. We need to avoid drinking alcohol, smoking Indian hemp and overloading among others.

“I, therefore, wish to appeal to all road users to obey traffic laws and drive safely into the New Year as only the living celebrates,” he said.

The Sector Commander disclosed that the Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu had approved the take-off of two area commands in Ikare-Akoko and Ore.

He said that Biu had also approved the take of four unit commands in Isua, Oka-Akoko, Ikaram and Ilara-Mokin to ensure adequate coverage of the state.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for provision of road infrastructure across the state, saying that the road projects had impacted positively on seamless traffic flow.

He particularly commended the ongoing construction of Onyarugbulem junction interchange, stressing it would ease traffic flow in no small measures, when completed.

Chairman, Ondo State Park Management, Mr Jacob Adebo reiterated the park’s commitment to joining hands with FRSC to achieve zero-tolerance to crashes in the state.

Adebo, who was represented by the park management’s Deputy Chairman, Mr Festus Obasoto said that he would not entertain or encourage any night journey in the state.

“Our taskforce are moving round all the motor parks to checkmate consumption of alcohol and other illicit drugs,” he said.