As part of the Ember Months Campaigns, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oyo State Sector Command, has warned commercial drivers and transport operators against overloading and mixed-loading.
Oyo FRSC and the Ember Months Campaigns
The state Command described such practices as dangerous trends that exposed passengers to road traffic crashes and other safety risks.
The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde S. Dahunsi, gave the warning on Tuesday during a press briefing held in Ibadan, on 2026 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaigns.
The exercise, themed “Overloading and Mixed-Loading: A Dangerous Trend to Avoid,” was aimed at raising public awareness about the dangers associated with carrying passengers and goods beyond approved vehicle capacity, particularly during the Ember Months.
Dahunsi explained that overloading affects vehicle stability, braking efficiency and overall roadworthiness, while mixed-loading, especially the transportation of passengers alongside goods in unsafe arrangements, exposes travellers to injuries, suffocation and difficulties during emergency situations.
He noted that the Ember Months were usually characterised by increased vehicular movement and commercial activities, which often create additional road safety challenges.
He added that the Corps had intensified its public enlightenment, patrol enforcement and rescue operations to ensure safer roads throughout the period.
“No financial gain is worth the loss of human life,” the Sector Commander said, urging commercial drivers and transport operators to prioritise the safety of passengers over the desire to make additional income.
Speaking on the activities lined up for the campaign, Dahunsi said the Command had embarked on motorcade rallies, public enlightenment exercises at motor parks and markets, media engagements, stakeholder sensitisation, increased patrol operations, traffic control and emergency rescue services.
He disclosed that the Command had earlier, last Friday, conducted a motorcade rally which commenced from the Sector Command premises at Eleyele.
He added that the rally proceeded through Sango and adjoining areas to sensitise motorists and members of the public on the dangers of overloading and mixed-loading.
The FRSC Sector Commander appealed to commercial drivers, transport unions and vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles were not overloaded and that passengers were never subjected to unsafe travel arrangements.
He also urged motorists to maintain roadworthy vehicles, avoid excessive speeding and comply with traffic regulations, and encouraged passengers to reject overloaded vehicles and unsafe transportation arrangements.
Dahunsi stressed that road safety was a collective responsibility, noting that every road user had a role to play in preventing avoidable crashes.
He further solicited the continued support of the media in disseminating road safety messages and encouraging voluntary compliance among motorists and other road users.
Dahunsi reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to reducing road traffic crashes and protecting lives and property.
He said the FRSC would sustain its public enlightenment, enforcement activities and prompt emergency response throughout the Ember Months.
He urged motorists and other road users to make safety their priority by avoiding overloading, rejecting mixed-loading, obeying traffic regulations and driving responsibly.
