The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has called on drivers to imbibed precautionary measures while driving during the rainy season.
Mohammed gave the charge in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide on Saturday in Abuja.
He said that it was necessary to caution drivers across the country arising from the forecasted heavy rainfall expected as the season progresses.
The Corps Marshal explained that driving in the rain could be risky because one’s visibility was reduced and there were usually hazardous and slippery conditions on the road.
“As such, motorists are always urged to take precautions while driving in order to ensure they reach their destinations safely.
“Accordingly, drivers are warned to ensure that before embarking on a journey during the rainy season, they ascertain that the windows and windshields are clean on the outside and the inside.
“They should also routinely check the headlights, brake lights, turn signals and tail lights. The windshield wiper and blades should also be checked for proper functioning.
“A situation where drivers use towels to improvise for wipers while on transit is not acceptable. The lights should be on during the day and at night, whenever rain starts dropping,” he said.
Mohammed advised motorists to reduce their speed during this time and apply the “common sense speed limit”, particularly because the road surface was often slippery.
He also admonished drivers to ensure that their tyres were not worn out for adequate grip on the road.
“Vehicle tyres are amongst the most crucial elements, and the only part that is in connection to the road, that is why the condition tyre very essential,”he maintained.
In order to guide drivers through these safety precautions, the Corps Marshal also directed Commanding Officers across the country to take the duties of traffic calming.
The FRSC boss also directed them to increase public enlightenment and improved enforcement of wipers and tyres during this season as a major priority.
He, however, enjoined drivers that could not drive under special weather conditions to stay off the road for their safety and that of other road users.
