Rainy season: Adopt safety checks, defensive driving, FRSC admonishes motorists

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has advised motorists to adopt stricter safety checks and defensive driving practices as the rainy season sets in across parts of the country.

The corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Osondu Ohaeri, gave the advice in an interview with our correspondent on Monday in Abuja.

Ohaeri described the rainy season as a period that required heightened caution from all road users, and urged vehicle owners to prioritised routine pre-trip inspections to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy

”Before you leave your house in the morning, carry out what we call a regular morning vehicle check. Ensure the tyres are in good condition and roadworthy,” he said.

The CPEO emphasised that tyres remained a critical safety component, noting that any defect could compromise vehicle stability and endanger passengers.

He urged motorists to also pay attention to other key components such as brakes, headlamps, rear lights and windscreen wipers, especially during night travel and rainfall.

”Beyond tyres, ensure the brakes, headlamps, rear lights and wipers are functional, particularly for night driving in the rain.

“Poor visibility and wet road surfaces significantly increase the risk of crashes during the rainy season, making safety checks and driver alertness essential,” he said.

Ohaeri further advised motorists to maintain strict discipline on the road and apply defensive driving techniques, particularly at bends, junctions and busy corridors.

According to him, safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers must be conscious of other road users and apply defensive driving at all times.

He also urged drivers to maintain full concentration while driving under wet weather conditions, stressing that distractions and negligence often led to avoidable crashes.

”This period, safety consciousness and absolute concentration are very important before you even leave your home.

”Proper vehicle maintenance and responsible driving behaviour remain key to ensuring safe journeys throughout the rainy season and beyond,” he emphasised.