The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has called on federal and state authorities to improve citizen welfare as a primary strategy for reducing traffic accidents. During a meeting with the Delta State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Charles Edem, the monarch identified economic desperation as a leading cause of dangerous driving behaviors like vehicle overloading.
Azinge labeled overloading as a lethal practice that prioritizes financial gain over human safety. He argued that when individuals face extreme financial strain, they often take unnecessary risks that threaten lives. Beyond economic factors, the monarch noted that poor road infrastructure, driver impairment, and the use of mechanically unsound vehicles also contribute significantly to the country’s high accident rates.
The traditional ruler urged the government to focus on creating stable livelihood opportunities, suggesting that economic stability would reduce the inclination of citizens to engage in unsafe practices. He further encouraged passengers to refuse travel in overloaded vehicles and promised his ongoing support for the FRSC’s safety advocacy efforts. In response, Commander Edem emphasized the critical role traditional leaders play in influencing public behavior and promoting a safer culture on Nigerian roads.
