The Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) has informed motorists of its plan to drastically reduce the menace of over-speeding in Edo State through a total enforcement of the use of speed limiting devices by commercial drivers.

This message was delivered in Benin yesterday, at the launch of the "Ember Months" campaign by Mr Ayodele Kumapayi, Zonal Commanding Officer, (ZCO), zone RS 5, which comprises Edo, Delta, and Anambra States.

Kumapayi said the call became imperative as over-speeding has been identified as the most common cause of road mishaps in the country.

He noted that effects of excessive speeding in accident situations is usually responsible for the fatalities because it impedes the driver’s ability to control the vehicle and also pose a safety challenge to other road users.

He said that for all to be safe on the roads, commercial and private vehicles drivers were to maintain a high level of decorum. He also adviced drivers adopt what he described as "The tenets of defensive driving".

“They are to also drive within the proposed speed limit for their classes of vehicles. Motorists and passengers should plan their journey carefully. Avoid rush hours, and night travels,” he said.

On his part, Mr Henry Benamaisia, State Sector Commander of the Corps, records at the disposal of the Corps reveals excessive speed was the major cause of road traffic crashes in Nigeria.

“Excessive speeding not only decreases a driver’s response time, it also reduces the driver’s ability to maneuver safely on the road. The resultant road crash does not discriminate; it affects the high and low, rich and poor, male and female,” he said.

In his remarks, the special guest of honour at the event, Mr Phillip Shaibu, the Edo Deputy Governor, said road traffic crashes were occasioned by human, mechanical and environmental factors.

He noted that impatience, drug abuse, recklessness, over confidence, poor vehicle maintenance, excessive speed among others were also causes of road traffic crashes.

He also urged the Corps to put emphasis on route violation as it was illegal.

The Deputy Governor stated that the Edo Government is aware of challenges faced by personnel of the Corps in the discharge of their duties and gave assurance that government would gladly assist anytime the need arises.

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