Amid widespread hazy weather and reduced visibility on major roads, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged motorists across the country to drive with extra care and patience to prevent avoidable crashes.
The warning was issued by the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, through a public safety advisory released by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Monday.
According to Mohammed, the dust-laden atmosphere currently affecting many parts of the country has significantly reduced visibility on highways, increasing risks for road users.
He explained that the seasonal haze impairs drivers’ vision and judgment, making safe manoeuvring more difficult, especially at high speeds.
The Corps Marshal noted that poor visibility conditions often lead to delayed reaction time, thereby raising the likelihood of traffic accidents if caution is not observed.
He stressed that motorists must deliberately adjust their driving habits by obeying traffic rules and exercising restraint while on the road.
Mohammed warned that speeding under hazy conditions is particularly dangerous, as drivers may not see obstacles or other vehicles in time to react.
He advised motorists to slow down, observe speed limits, maintain safe distances between vehicles, and ensure that headlights, brake lights and tail lights are in good working condition, even during daytime where visibility is low.
Drivers were also cautioned against risky behaviours such as wrongful overtaking, distracted driving and over-speeding, while being encouraged to keep windscreens clean and wipers functional to improve visibility.
Commercial vehicle operators, he added, should place passenger safety above profit by avoiding unnecessary speed and adhering strictly to road safety regulations.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to road safety, the FRSC said its patrol teams have been placed on heightened alert to monitor traffic flow, enforce compliance and respond promptly to emergencies, urging motorists to cooperate with officers and make use of the toll-free emergency line, 122, when necessary.