Akure: The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State has cracked down on reckless road behaviour, arresting 15,145 offenders between January and July.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, State Sector Commander, FRSC, disclosed this to reporters on Sunday in Akure.
Ibitoye explained that the offenders were booked for 15,536 offences during the period under review.
He said that the offences ranged from seat belt and number plate violations to speeding and distracted driving.
Ibitoye emphasised the Corps’ dual role in enforcement and public safety advocacy, stressing that while they issue tickets, they also seek to educate and promote attitudinal change among motorists.
Ibitoye, who stated that the personnel of the FRSC were always on the road from Monday to Sunday to enforce traffic rules and regulations, said that the idea was to reduce road traffic crashes.
“We don’t always go to the road to book people; we also go to the road to play the adversary role as a safety check.
“We also go on advocacy, because there is a need for attitudinal change by people,” Ibitoye said.
He called on motorists who had not fixed speed limit devices on their vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, to do so, saying the benefits were numerous.
According to him, the speed limit device will not only regulate the speed, but also extend the vehicle’s lifespan, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance the safety of the people on the road.
“The primary cause of death and crashes in Nigeria today is speeding by the drivers.
“The primary concern is for every motorist and Nigerian to take ownership of the road safety matters, if not, they are endangering their lives and the lives of other road users.
“So, value your life and preserve it, and do not expose your life unnecessarily because when you lose it, you can not regain it,” he said.