Reckless Driving, Misdirected outrage and the FRSC
By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice
A disturbing video has been circulating on social media, showing Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials attempting to apprehend a reckless driver who was hysterical on the road.The driver’s reckless behaviour began when he was flagged down by a patrol team for using his phone while driving. When questioned, he was unable to produce the required vehicle documents. Anticipating a citation for traffic violations, the driver attempted to flee the scene by accelerating his vehicle.
Due to his suspicious and erratic driving, the patrol team was forced to take swift action, signaling their vehicle to block him and prevent a potential accident.Unfortunately, the comments and outrage that followed were misdirected, with many condemning the FRSC officials instead of the errant driver.
This knee-jerk reaction is a classic example of how social media can distort reality, portraying villains as victims and vice versa. Rather than calling for the driver’s arrest and prosecution, many are criticizing the FRSC for trying to maintain order and safety on our roads.
It’s essential to take a step back and rationalize the situation. Why did the FRSC officials risk their lives to block the driver? The answer lies in the fact that the driver will not only knock down pedestrians showing a blatant disregard for human life and safety but could have as well been involved in nefarious conduct that could have resulted in such desperate escape.
In this scenario, the FRSC officials acted with courage and a strong sense of duty, putting their lives on the line to bring the perpetrator to justice. It’s unacceptable that their efforts are being criticized instead of commended.
This incident highlights the need for the FRSC to be given more powers to enforce road safety regulations. The current situation, where drivers feel emboldened to disregard traffic laws and put lives at risk, cannot continue.
Arming the FRSC with the necessary authority and resources will help to deter reckless driving and ensure that our roads are safer for all users. It’s time for us to take a stand against the menace of reckless driving and support the FRSC in their efforts to maintain order and safety on our roads.
Furthermore, the FRSC’s efforts to promote road safety and discipline among drivers are often underappreciated. The corps’ officials are frequently subjected to harassment, assault, and even death while performing their duties. It’s high time we recognize the sacrifices they make to keep our roads safe and support them in their mission.
In addition, the incident also highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing road safety issues in Nigeria. This includes improving road infrastructure, enhancing public education and awareness campaigns, and strengthening law enforcement. By working together, we can reduce the alarming rate of road accidents and create a safer, more responsible driving culture.
Ultimately, the FRSC’s bravery and dedication to duty in the face of reckless driving should be celebrated, not condemned. We must rally behind them and support their efforts to make our roads safer for everyone. By doing so, we can help prevent unnecessary tragedies and promote a culture of responsibility and respect for human life on our roads.