The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has issued a warning to fleet operators, commercial drivers, and private vehicle owners, urging them to stop making night trips due to the increased dangers associated with it.
Mohammed stated that night trips are “not only unsafe, but utterly dangerous” and pointed to the risks of poor visibility, driver fatigue, excessive speed, and the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
The warning comes after two major accidents occurred during nighttime travel, resulting in a total of 55 deaths. Mohammed attributed these crashes to speed violations and driver fatigue.
“Crashes that occur at night are more fatal than the ones that happen in the daytime,” Mohammed said, stressing the need for drivers to plan their journeys in daylight hours.
Mohammed noted that most night trips are taken for economic reasons, with fleet operators overloading vehicles and avoiding FRSC patrols. He urged Nigerians to reconsider their travel schedules and prioritize safety.
The Corps Marshal’s message also extended to passengers, advising them to resist the temptation of traveling at night unless absolutely necessary. He described the recent deaths as “avoidable, preventable, and unacceptable.”
Mohammed warned that in the event of a nighttime crash, especially in remote areas, rescue operations can be delayed due to the absence of FRSC personnel, further emphasizing the need for caution and safety on the roads.
