The Ondo State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps has cautioned motorists against indiscriminate parking on highways, warning that the practice contributes significantly to road crashes and traffic congestion.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in the state, Dr Samuel Ibitoye, issued the warning on Thursday during the command’s Community Social Responsibility programme held in the Shasha area of Akure.
Ibitoye explained that the two-day exercise formed part of the agency’s nationwide efforts aimed at ensuring safer and smoother movement of vehicles on major roads.
According to him, the initiative was designed not only to sensitise motorists and other road users on traffic discipline, but also to improve road conditions and remove obstacles capable of causing accidents.
He said the command had embarked on the removal of broken-down vehicles abandoned on highways to ease traffic flow and minimise the risk of crashes.
The FRSC boss added that the exercise also involved filling potholes, trimming trees obstructing visibility on highways, and clearing drainage channels to allow free flow of water.
“We want Nigerians to understand that our duties go beyond arresting or sanctioning offenders. We are also committed to making positive impacts on the roads and ensuring the safety of all users,” he said.
Ibitoye stressed that the ultimate goal of the exercise was to reduce road accidents, improve traffic movement and reassure members of the public that the corps remained committed to their welfare.
He, however, warned motorists who habitually park carelessly on highways to desist from the act or risk prosecution.
A commercial driver, Kolade Ogundare, commended the FRSC for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention. He urged the agency to extend the exercise to more highways across the state.