The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has advised passengers to caution drivers against reckless driving, especially during the rainy season.
Dr Yusuf Suberu, Squadron Leader, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Mayors of the Federation made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
Suberu said it was imperative for VIO to advise the public on the necessity of cautioning drivers against reckless driving, given the spate of carnage on the roads.
He encouraged passengers to speak up when drivers were being reckless or driving against the traffic rules and regulations.
“”Passengers need to admonish drivers tactfully anytime they are going reckless without distracting them.
“It is their responsibility to advise drivers to keep to safety rules.
“Data shows that passengers are often the victims in crashes, while drivers usually escape unhurt,”he said.
The VIO boss urged passengers to be proactive and ensure their safety, especially during the rainy season when the roads were slippery and wet.
Suberu said that the Mayors were complementing the officers and men of the DRTS to ensure safety of lives and property on the highway.
“We will continue to support the DRTS personnel by campaigning against traffic violations and other offences to avert road crashes.
“Such offences are reckless driving, non use of seat belt while driving, Phone driving, one way driving, beating traffic, use of worn out tyres, overloading among others,”he said.
Suberu however, advised motorists to also desist from drinking intoxicating substances and drink driving to avoid unnecessary death or fatalities.
NAN reports that VIO Mayors are volunteers, assisting professional traffic managers in the 36 states and FCT to ease gridlock and traffic challenges through an enlarged volunteerism approach.