By Olufunmi
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched its 2025 Ember Months sensitisation campaign in Kano, urging motorists to take personal responsibility for their safety and desist from distracted driving.
The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Idris Mohammed Lawal, stated this on Thursday, during a town hall meeting held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Transportation, Kano.
The campaign with the theme: “Take Responsibility for Your Safety and Stop Distracted Driving,” aims to raise public consciousness on the dangers of distractions behind the wheel and to promote a culture of safe driving among all road users.
Lawal said the Ember Months — from September to December — are usually characterised by increased human and vehicular activities due to festive and commercial engagements, which often result in a spike in road crashes.
“Data from previous years show that over 90 per cent of road traffic crashes nationwide are caused by human factors such as speeding, impatience, fatigue, and distracted driving. Most of these incidents are preventable,”he said.
He explained that distractions such as mobile phone use, eating, deep conversations, or operating in-vehicle gadgets divert attention from the road and increase the risk of fatal accidents.
Lawal disclosed that analysis of crashes in Kano between July and September 2024 and the same period in 2025 showed a significant drop — from 88 crashes in 2024 to 71 in 2025 — while fatalities reduced from 100 to 60, representing a 70.82 per cent decrease.
He said that the command would continue to educate and sensitise road users on the dangers of distracted driving, promote behavioural change through advocacy and enlightenment, and strengthen partnerships among stakeholders.
The FRSC boss identified the stakeholders to include, transport unions, security agencies, religious bodies, and the media, among others.
The sector commander appreciated Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf for his administration’s continued support to the FRSC and its commitment to ensuring safety and orderliness on Kano roads.
Lawal advised motorists to adhere strictly to safety rules, avoid phone use while driving, desist from speeding and overloading, ensure proper vehicle maintenance, and get adequate rest before travelling.
In his remarks, Gov. Abba Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Alhaji Adamu Aliyu, commended the FRSC for its proactive awareness campaign.
He said the state government would construct ultra-modern bus stops to ease traffic congestion and continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure safer roads for all.