IBADAN- The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) in Oyo State says the command will deploy its operational energies to enforce the use of crash helmets by passengers and motorcyclists.
Mrs Rosemary Alo, the FRSC Sector Commander said this at a news conference organised by the command in commemoration of the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week on Monday in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the global road safety week, scheduled for May 12 to May 18, provides an opportunity to spur action at national and local levels to make walking and cycling safe.
The theme for the 2025 global road safety week is “Street for Life, #Make Walking Safe, Make Cycling Safe”.
Alo said that the week aims to highlight concrete and specific interventions that could be undertaken by various stakeholders like governments, international agencies, civil society, businesses and schools, to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
She said road users, particularly vulnerable groups like pedestrians and street children, faced higher risks of road traffic injuries and deaths due to poor road infrastructure, unsafe road conditions and inadequate safety measures.
According to her, the use of a helmet reduces damage to sensitive parts of the body, including eyes, skull, brain and nose.
“Pedestrians, especially the elderly and street children often involved in commercial activities on roadsides, are particularly vulnerable to injuries from traffic.
”Motorcyclists in the same way, as pedestrians, are still a significant road user group that faces high risks of injury.
“As Oyo sector commander, I am proud to lead efforts that prioritise the safety of our road users.
“The command remains committed to reducing road crashes and promoting a culture of safety on our roads, “she said.
She further noted that the week long event would feature sensitisation rally, distribution of flyers and media broadcast awareness to road users.
Alo revealed that the command had planned strategic visits to selected schools for road safety talk, advocacy visit to fleet operators and orphanage home, as well as commemorative church and mosque service.
“These initiatives aim to educate and remind road users of their roles in preventing road crashes.
“We urge all stakeholders, including motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to join us in this crusade.
“Together, we can make our roads safer and reduce the incidence of road crashes, especially those involving pedestrians and cyclists, “she said. (NAN)
