Road Safety Agency Releases Warning, Advises Drivers to Exercise Caution Behind the Wheel

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The Federal Road Safety Corps has advised motorists to adopt stricter safety checks and defensive driving practices as the rainy season sets in across parts of the country.

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The Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

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Ohaeri described the rainy season as a period that requires heightened caution from all road users, and urged vehicle owners to prioritise routine pre-trip inspections to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.

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“Before you leave your house in the morning, carry out what we call a regular morning vehicle check. Ensure the tyres are in good condition and roadworthy,” he said.

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The CPEO emphasised that tyres remain a critical safety component, noting that any defect could compromise vehicle stability and endanger passengers.

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He urged motorists to also pay attention to other key components such as brakes, headlamps, rear lights, and windscreen wipers, especially during night travel and rainfall.

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“Beyond tyres, ensure the brakes, headlamps, rear lights and wipers are functional, particularly for night driving in the rain.

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“Poor visibility and wet road surfaces significantly increase the risk of crashes during the rainy season, making safety checks and driver alertness essential,” he said.

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Ohaeri further advised motorists to maintain strict discipline on the road and apply defensive driving techniques, particularly at bends, junctions and busy corridors.

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According to him, safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers must be conscious of other road users and apply defensive driving at all times.

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He also urged drivers to maintain full concentration while driving under wet weather conditions, stressing that distractions and negligence often lead to avoidable crashes.

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“This period, safety consciousness and absolute concentration are very important before you even leave your home.

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“Proper vehicle maintenance and responsible driving behaviour remain key to ensuring safe journeys throughout the rainy season and beyond,” he said.

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Defensive driving is a way of driving that focuses on staying alert and taking safe actions to avoid accidents—even when other drivers make mistakes or road conditions are bad.

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In simple terms, it means you don’t just rely on obeying traffic rules; you also actively expect possible dangers and prepare for them.

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(NAN)

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