Ember Months: Take Responsibility for Your Safety — FRSC Charges Road Users

Ember Months: Take Responsibility for Your Safety — FRSC Charges Road Users

By BEFOCUS News Desk | October 22, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called on all Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their safety during the ember months, emphasizing that driver behaviour remains the leading cause of road crashes nationwide.

The call was made during a public sensitisation rally in Owo, Ondo State, as the Corps flagged off the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign themed:

> “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

Safety Starts With Every Road User

The FRSC leadership explained that the ember months—typically the last quarter of the year—are characterized by increased travel and commercial activity, making roads busier and riskier.

“Safety is not only the duty of enforcement agencies; it begins with every individual. Motorists and passengers alike must make conscious efforts to protect their lives and others on the road,” the Corps Marshal stated.

Human Factors Still Lead to Crashes

According to FRSC data, over 3,400 people have lost their lives in road crashes in 2025, largely due to unsafe practices such as speeding, fatigue, overloading, and distracted driving.

During the last “Operation Zero” patrol (December 15, 2024 – January 15, 2025), the Corps recorded 533 crashes, 432 deaths, and over 2,000 injuries across Nigeria.

FRSC’s Strategic Measures

To reduce road fatalities this season, the FRSC announced a series of proactive measures including:

Nationwide deployment of officers and special marshals along high-risk routes.

Free vehicle inspections and public education at motor parks.

Engagements with transport unions and town-hall meetings with communities.

Strict enforcement of traffic rules against overspeeding, overloading, and drunk driving.

Mass-media and digital campaigns promoting safe driving practices.

The Corps also unveiled upgrades to its driver’s licence processing system, boosting production to 15,000 daily and introducing contactless biometric capture for faster service.

FRSC Clarifies: “The Ember Months Are Not Cursed”

The FRSC urged Nigerians to discard the myth that the ember months are inherently dangerous.

> “The months themselves are not cursed; it is our behaviour that creates danger,” officials emphasized.

What Road Users Should Do

Avoid distracted driving—no texting or phone use while driving.

Ensure vehicles are roadworthy before long journeys.

Respect load limits and take adequate rest breaks.

Passengers should speak up against reckless drivers.

Report unsafe road practices using FRSC’s emergency numbers 122 or 0700-CALL-FRSC.

Nationwide Campaign

The ember months safety campaign is being launched across all FRSC state commands including Oyo, Kaduna, Niger, and Lagos, aiming for zero fatalities during the festive period.

With the cooperation of transport unions, state agencies, and the public, the Corps hopes to reduce crash rates by at least 20% before the end of 2025.

Public Message

As festivities approach, FRSC reminds every road user:

> “Every journey has a destination, and arriving safely should be the goal. No celebration is worth a life lost to carelessness.”

Sources:

Vanguard Nigeria | BusinessDay | Gazette Nigeria