FRSC Debunks Ember Months Superstitions, Warns Motorists Against Night Travel

By Praise Chinecherem

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has dismissed superstitious beliefs surrounding the so-called dangers of ember months, describing the period as one characterised by increased human, commercial and transportation activities rather than any mysterious forces.

The Anambra State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, stated this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Corps’ State Headquarters in Awka as part of activities marking the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Asekhauno, who expressed concern over the increasing number of families bereaved by road crashes, said the commemoration provided an opportunity to raise awareness about road safety and encourage motorists to make responsible decisions while travelling.

“Ember months are not mysterious months. They are simply periods when too many activities take place simultaneously, leading to increased movement of people and goods.

“We want our people to be careful so that we can all remain alive to celebrate Christmas and enter the New Year,” she said.

The Sector Commander urged motorists to avoid excessive speeding, install speed-limiting devices in their vehicles and exercise caution when travelling at night, citing poor visibility and delays in emergency response as major risks.

She explained that victims of night-time road crashes were particularly vulnerable because emergency responders, medical personnel and other sources of assistance might not be readily available when accidents occurred.

According to her, delays in accessing medical attention could worsen injuries and result in preventable deaths, particularly where victims suffer severe bleeding.

Asekhauno also warned that motorists who experience mechanical problems, such as flat tyres, during night journeys might struggle to access the services of vulcanisers and roadside mechanics.

She attributed the persistent occurrence of road crashes, despite the FRSC’s public enlightenment and enforcement efforts, largely to poor driving attitudes, identifying excessive speeding and human recklessness as major contributors to road fatalities.

The Sector Commander disclosed that the Anambra Command was intensifying engagements with traditional rulers, motor park operators and other transportation stakeholders to promote safer road practices among their communities and members.

She further advised motorists to carry out necessary vehicle checks and observe safety precautions before embarking on journeys, while urging pedestrians to use the roads responsibly.

The 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is being observed under the theme, “A Light That Unites Us,” with “Remember, Support, Act” as the slogan for the decade.

The week-long activities are scheduled to run from Monday, November 9, to Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Asekhauno explained that the United Nations designated the third week of November for the annual commemoration to honour people killed or seriously injured in road traffic crashes, recognise the contributions of emergency responders and advocate improved support for victims and their families.

She added that the remembrance also provides an opportunity to demand appropriate legal responses to road traffic offences that result in deaths and injuries, while promoting evidence-based interventions to prevent future tragedies.

The FRSC boss reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to improving road safety awareness through sustained public enlightenment campaigns in churches, mosques, schools and the media.

She called on all road users to embrace responsible behaviour, stressing that preventing road crashes requires collective commitment and strict adherence to traffic regulations.

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