8 tips to make safe trip during Yuletide

Yuletide

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Road accidents remain a major public safety concern across the country, claiming thousands of lives annually and leaving many more with life-altering injuries. The final quarter of the year, popularly referred to as the Ember months (September, October, November and December), has consistently recorded a noticeable rise in road traffic crashes nationwide.

Although the Christmas season is often associated with celebrations and increased travel, it is also a period marked by a troubling surge in fatal road incidents. Despite improvements in road safety measures, recent data reflect an unsettling trend that demands urgent attention.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, 5,421 people died in road crashes in 2024, a seven per cent increase compared with 2023. This rise in fatalities occurred even as the total number of crashes dropped from 10,617 in 2023 to 9,570 in 2024, alongside a reduction in the number of injured persons. This suggests that while crashes may be fewer, they have become more severe and more likely to claim lives.

PUNCH earlier reported that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed that 3,915 persons lost their lives in 7,715 road crashes recorded between January and September 2025.

He added that 24,674 people sustained varying degrees of injury within the same period.

As Christmas and the New Year festivities draw near, every household deserves to celebrate without the tragedy of losing loved ones to preventable crashes. A safe and peaceful holiday season is possible, but it requires responsible behaviour from motorists, stronger collaboration among stakeholders and consistent enforcement from authorities. The consequences of inaction are already evident and far too costly.

Here are eight key tips to help ensure safer trips during the yuletide season:

Stay alert, drive responsibly

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, recently emphasised the need for heightened vigilance among motorists, both car and boat drivers, during the yuletide.

He urged road users to avoid speeding and adopt safer driving habits to reduce preventable accidents.

Promote safety awareness within transport unions

There have been calls for the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Maritime Workers Union to intensify safety education for their members. They are encouraged to reinforce responsible conduct by discouraging driving under the influence, speeding, negligence and distractions behind the wheel.

Excessive speeding

The FRSC Commander in charge of the Sagamu–Ore–Benin Expressway, Nasir Mohammed, cautioned motorists against excessive speeding, describing it as a deadly habit that leads to avoidable tragedies.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, he said speed may appear thrilling, but its consequences are often fatal.

Mohammed explained this further, saying speed “kills faster than any deadly disease,” and urged drivers to reduce their speed to prevent crashes.

Obey road signs

The FRSC commander also appealed to motorists to be more responsible by adhering strictly to traffic regulations.

Mohammed emphasised the importance of compliance, saying, “We urge motorists to obey road signs and adhere to the average speed limit to prevent avoidable crashes during the ember months.”

Caution against night travel, reckless driving

He warned drivers to avoid behaviours that increase risks on the highway, such as night travel, reckless driving and wrongful overtaking.

Mohammed stressed this point, saying, “We strongly advise against night travel, reckless driving and wrongful overtaking for your safety.”

The FRSC commander further highlighted the dangers of drunk driving, noting that it impairs judgement and can easily result in accidents.

Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained

Mohammed added that a well-maintained vehicle is crucial to road safety. Motorists are urged to service their vehicles, ensure adequate fuel levels and confirm that all lights and systems are functioning, especially during peak travel periods.

“During this busy season, motorists should ensure their vehicles are serviced, have sufficient fuel for long trips and check that headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights are all working,” he said.

Mohammed noted that regular maintenance reduces the risk of breaking down, particularly in isolated areas.

Plan your routes

The FRSC commander also highlighted that route planning helps motorists avoid congestion, reduce stress and prevent unsafe behaviour triggered by heavy traffic.

“Motorists should plan their routes before leaving home. Route planning helps avoid areas of heavy traffic, which can lead to road rage and erratic behaviour. Preparing in advance also provides alternative options in case of delays and ensures better use of navigation tools with real-time updates,” he said.

Avoid distractions

Distractions significantly reduce a driver’s awareness and ability to respond to changing road conditions. Drivers must refrain from any activity that diverts their attention.

“Driving is not the time to send text messages, reply to greetings like ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy New Year,’ adjust radios, chat unnecessarily with passengers, or eat and drink. Texting behind the wheel can take your eyes off the road for up to 40 per cent of the time spent sending or receiving a message,” Mohammed warned.

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