FRSC adopts town hall meetings to curb road crashes

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced a new approach to reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) by transitioning from traditional motor park rallies to community-driven initiatives throughout the nation.

In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Corps Public Education Officer, highlighted the need for this change due to the diminishing effectiveness of the motor park rally format in engaging with drivers and the public on road safety issues.

Ogungbemide explained that the Corps had historically relied on motor park rallies to gather drivers and travelers for educational sessions. However, he noted that with rising instances of reckless driving and the associated fatalities, this method has proven inadequate.

“With the increase in lawlessness among drivers, particularly in the commercial sector, we have realized that our traditional approach often fails to reach the intended audience effectively,” he stated. “Thus, we must adapt to modern communication methods.”

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, has endorsed the use of town hall meetings and press conferences as more effective avenues for conveying road safety messages. This decision reflects a commitment to addressing the alarming rates of road traffic incidents across the country.

Ogungbemide elaborated on the shift, saying, “The goal is to engage the public more directly, particularly drivers and commuters, by utilizing a more interactive communication style.” He emphasized that this new strategy would include annual safety awareness programs during the ember months.

He added that this year’s end-of-year road safety campaign would adopt a different format. Field officers will engage with the public through town hall meetings and press conferences, fostering collaboration with various stakeholders.

In an effort to reach a broader audience, the FRSC plans to utilize community spaces such as mosques, churches, and schools for these discussions. “This aligns with the global emphasis on tackling the issue of RTCs, which necessitates active participation from all sectors of the community to raise awareness about road safety,” Ogungbemide stated.

He urged the public to embrace this new campaign method, stressing the importance of community involvement in promoting safer road conditions. “We need everyone, especially commuters—who are often the most at risk in accidents—to participate actively in this initiative,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the FRSC, as the principal agency responsible for road traffic management and safety, is committed to implementing diverse strategies to foster safer road environments and prevent road-related tragedies.