The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has alerted motorists nationwide to the heightened risks posed by the prevailing hazy weather conditions, warning that poor visibility on major highways could lead to avoidable road traffic crashes if drivers fail to exercise restraint.
In a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC noted that the dust haze currently affecting several parts of the country has significantly reduced visibility, particularly on intercity routes where speeding remains common.
According to the Corps, hazy conditions impair drivers’ judgement and reaction time, making it difficult to promptly detect obstacles, pedestrians and other road users, thereby increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Commenting on the situation, the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, urged motorists to adapt their driving behaviour to the prevailing weather, emphasising that strict adherence to speed limits and defensive driving principles was crucial to ensuring safety during the period.
Mohammed cautioned that excessive speed under poor visibility conditions could have fatal consequences, as drivers may not have sufficient time or distance to respond to sudden hazards on the road.
He advised motorists to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances and ensure that vehicle headlights, brake lights and tail lights are switched on and fully functional, even during daylight hours.
The Corps Marshal further warned against risky practices such as dangerous overtaking, distracted driving and reckless manoeuvres on highways affected by low visibility, urging drivers to place safety above haste.
He added that commercial drivers, in particular, must demonstrate greater responsibility by complying strictly with traffic regulations and safeguarding the lives of passengers until weather conditions improve.
The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to sustained public enlightenment and enforcement activities aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and ensuring safer highways across the country.