By Roseline Okakah, Godfrey Eze, Oluwaseun Olanipekun

In Ondo State, a dangerous trend of one-way driving is emerging, leaving residents on edge and demanding swift intervention. Driving against traffic is an illegal practice that has resulted in collisions, injuries, and even fatalities.

Despite existing laws prohibiting such behaviour, motorists and bike riders continue to flout regulations, turning roads into hazardous zones.

Notable areas such as Oba Ile Road, Fiwasaye-Agbogbo Road, and Oda Road in Akure the state capital have become hotspots for this antisocial behaviour.

The Hope conducted an investigation, revealing the depth of the issue and the urgent need for authorities to address this growing concern. Residents, interviewed separately, voiced their dissatisfaction with the rising tide of one-way driving.

Victor Oladimeji, a car dealer, shared a harrowing experience of nearly being knocked down by a motorcyclist taking a shortcut against traffic.

Similarly, David Joshua from Ijapo Estate Road, reported a student being hit by a vehicle driving one-way on his street. He called for strict implementation of traffic laws and improved motorist sensitization among citizens.

Ibe Kingsley urged residents to report such violations to authorities, emphasizing the need for accountability. He pointed out the blatant disregard for traffic signs and the impatience exhibited by many bike riders.

Femi Oluwatosin and Vivian Ezeora raised concerns about drivers and bike riders lacking proper training and licenses, contributing to road disorders. Mr Oluwatosin further highlighted the impact of bad roads, suggesting that road conditions could drive motorists to take risky shortcuts.

Amid these complaints, some residents attributed the prevalence of one-way driving to impatience and lawlessness. They called for the government to prosecute offenders as a deterrence emphasizing the importance of setting examples for others.

Biyi Dare, a transport worker, shed light on the motivation behind this reckless behaviour, stating that some drivers opt for one-way routes to expedite their journeys and save fuel.

The gravity of the situation was confirmed by Godwin Okakah, the former Deputy Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alla Branch.

He acknowledged that many drivers knowingly violate traffic rules, endangering lives in the process. He emphasized the potential for accidents and collisions, stressing the need for adherence to traffic regulations.

“Most of our drivers are fond of driving one-way, and they know that it is against the law, but they intentionally do it.

“When you drive in one way, the upcoming vehicle may not even know, and it can cause an accident. Somebody can be trekking along the road and accidentally collide with the passerby, but if they obey the traffic, it will avoid accidents,” Okakah said.

Ondo FRSC reacts

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command, responded to the alarming trend. According to the State Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr. Ezekiel Son Allah, 28 traffic offenders were apprehended within a month in Akure and its environs.

Son Allah underscored the severity of driving against traffic, warning of its propensity to cause fatal accidents. He specifically highlighted the prevalence of such behaviour among motorcycle riders and appealed to all road users to adhere to traffic rules, especially during the ember period.

“We have already arrested 28 offenders and I want to appeal to motorists to avoid driving through one way. It is something like this that easily leads to crashes and usually results in fatal accidents.

“It’s more common with motorcycle riders. But we are still appealing to every road user against using one way because of its nearness to their destinations.

Son Allah charged motorists to drive as good and trained drivers while ensuring they navigate to the appropriate part of the road towards maintaining the right way.

He advised, “This is the ember period. Don’t drink while driving. Respect FRSC officials and other security agencies on the highways because they are not there to victimize you, but to protect and save you from unforeseen circumstances.”

Stakeholders weigh in

Stakeholders have advised drivers and other road users in Ondo State to obey traffic rules and regulations in the Ember Months and other months. They urged drivers to take things easy to stay alive.

These image makers stressed the need for collective responsibility and a commitment to safer roads is paramount, as the community unites to reclaim its streets from the clutches of recklessness.

In an interview, the State Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele explained that the existing and ongoing infrastructure programmes as regards road construction in the state are a result of the premium the State Governor placed on the safety of the lives and property of the citizens.

“Drivers and road users should always maintain the safety consciousness at all times. When we focus on the safety of passengers and people on the road, there will be fewer casualties on our roads,” he said.

The Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Oba Dr Adefarakanmi Agbede, advised citizens of the State to take cognizance of rules and regulations guiding the transport system, even as he urged parents and elders in communities to always advise young ones against drunk driving.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Tobi Ogunleye, stated that the state will continue to organise training for okada drivers, and tricyclists. He emphasised the need for collaboration among all transport operators in the state to curb barbaric driving.

Ogunleye further urged transporters to always watch their speed while driving, and avoid shortcuts, saying life has no replacement.

The State Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Olufemi Aladenola, noted that human factors are responsible for accidents on the roads, and charged the citizens to tread gently while plying the roads.

He said drivers should go through their allotted route without delving into another lane, maintaining all traffic and road rules and regulations, stressing that shortcuts can cut short lives.

As the residents of the State grapple with the escalating menace of one-way driving, key stakeholders and FRSC’s efforts to enforce regulations serve as a ray of hope.