FRSC seeks traditional rulers’ support to curb road crashes in Osun

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Osun State has reached out to traditional rulers and community leaders in a bid to reduce road traffic accidents and enhance safety across the state. Speaking during a visit to the Olufi of Gbonganland, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, Sector Commander Mr. Sunday Adebayo highlighted the crucial role these institutions can play in shaping public behavior and fostering compliance with road safety regulations.

In the previous year, there were 220 road traffic crashes across Osun, involving 300 vehicles, leading to 60 deaths and numerous injuries. The main culprits identified for these accidents include reckless driving, excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, route violations, and overloading of vehicles.

Adebayo appealed to traditional chiefs and members of the Olufi-in-Council to leverage their influence to discourage dangerous driving practices and promote a culture of safety among road users. He urged passengers to speak up when they witness reckless driving, speeding, or suspected drug or alcohol use, insisting that such drivers should be stopped and reported to the nearest FRSC patrol team or the police for immediate action.

The FRSC emphasized that while speeding may seem thrilling, it leads to more fatalities. Adebayo stressed that safety should always take precedence over speed and convenience. He reiterated that collective efforts from government agencies, traditional institutions, communities, motorists, and other road users are necessary to prevent avoidable crashes and safeguard lives on the roads.

In response, the Olufi of Gbonganland pledged full support to the FRSC and its mandate, vowing the cooperation of the traditional institution in improving road safety and protecting lives in Gbonganland and neighboring communities. The monarch, represented by the Balogun of Gbonganland, Chief Quasim Onikepe, affirmed that the visit aimed to further strengthen the collaboration between the FRSC and the traditional institution.