By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged motorists to prioritise their health, alertness and general fitness, particularly during the Ember Months when human and vehicular movement traditionally increases.
The FRSC Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Osondu Ohaeri, gave the advice in Abuja at a health outreach programme organised by the corps in collaboration with BATMedics.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BATMedics is a health and medical support initiative originally tied to the political support groups of President Bola Tinubu (such as the City Boy Movement) that provides free community healthcare services.
The initiative is to bridge healthcare gaps and offer free medical care, treatments, and outreaches to vulnerable populations and grassroots communities.
Ohaeri said the initiative was organised as part of the implementation of Pillar Three of the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety, which focused on safer road users, particularly drivers and passengers.
According to him, the ember months are traditionally associated with increased human and vehicular movement as families and individuals travel for various social, religious and economic activities.
The FRSC spokesperson said the corps recognised that road safety was not only about roads and vehicles but also about the health, alertness and wellbeing of people who use the nation’s roads.
He said a driver whose health was compromised could experience impaired vision, fatigue, poor concentration or delayed response, all of which could increase the risk of road traffic crashes.
He also said the health outreach therefore provided an opportunity to promote preventive healthcare, early detection of health challenges and responsible health practices among motorists and other road users.
He appreciated the management of BATMedics for partnering with the corps to bring the health services closer to members of the public.
“The collaboration demonstrated what could be achieved when government institutions, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals and communities worked together in the public interest,” he said.
The FRSC spokesperson urged motorists to make their health a priority as the nation entered the critical period of increased travel and movement associated with the ember months.
He cautioned motorists against driving when sick, excessively tired or emotionally distressed, stressing the need for drivers to be physically and mentally prepared before taking to the road.
He also advised motorists not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, noting that responsible health practices were essential to safe road use.
The FRSC spokesman urged motorists to undergo regular medical checks and ensure adequate rest, good vision and general physical fitness before embarking on long journeys.
He encouraged participants at the outreach to take full advantage of the medical services and health education provided during the programme.
He further urged them to share the knowledge gained with their family members, colleagues and fellow road users to broaden the impact of the intervention.
“Health awareness and preventive care are important components of the corps’ efforts to promote safer road users and reduce avoidable crashes.
“Interventions that focus on the health and fitness of motorists can complement enforcement, public enlightenment and other road safety measures,” he said.
Ohaeri reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to sustaining partnerships that promote healthy people, safer roads and safer communities.
He expressed appreciation to BATmedics, medical professionals, members of the community, the media and FRSC personnel for their participation and support for the programme.
He said the corps remained committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to advance preventive measures that would protect lives and improve road safety.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
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