The Federal Road Safety Corps has warned motorists across the country against speeding and other dangerous driving habits as harmattan haze continues to reduce visibility on major highways.
The Corps said the prevailing dusty and hazy weather conditions have made driving more risky, stressing that poor visibility could easily lead to avoidable road traffic crashes if motorists fail to exercise caution.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, explained that the dust haze being experienced nationwide is largely a result of seasonal atmospheric conditions associated with the harmattan period.
According to him, “The Corps notes that the current dust haze, occasioned largely by seasonal atmospheric conditions, poses significant risks to road users, particularly drivers whose vision may be impaired while driving. Reduced visibility under such conditions increases the likelihood of road traffic crashes if adequate caution is not observed.”
Reacting to the situation, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, warned that speeding under reduced visibility remains one of the major causes of fatal crashes, noting that drivers often underestimate how quickly hazards can appear in hazy conditions.
He said reduced visibility lowers reaction time and makes it difficult for drivers to respond promptly to sudden obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles on the road.
“In view of the prevailing reduced visibility conditions associated with the dust haze, the Corps advises all motorists to strictly comply with traffic regulations and adopt safe driving practices at all times,” Mohammed said.
He urged motorists to reduce speed, obey prescribed speed limits, maintain safe following distances, and ensure that vehicle lights are in good working condition and used appropriately, even during the daytime when visibility is impaired.
The FRSC also cautioned drivers against wrongful overtaking, over speeding, distracted driving, and other risky behaviours that could further increase the chances of crashes during the hazy period.
Motorists were encouraged to promptly report emergencies through the FRSC toll free line, 122, while the Corps assured the public that its patrol teams are on high alert across major highways to enforce compliance and provide assistance where necessary.
Ogungbemide reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting lives and property on Nigerian roads, saying road safety remains a shared responsibility between authorities and road users.
The warning comes as harmattan related weather conditions persist across the country. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has also predicted hazy and sunny conditions across several regions, especially in the north central parts of the country, from Monday to Wednesday.
