The Federal Road Safety Corps, Imo State Command, has deployed over 650 personnel for its Ember Months campaign in the state.
The term “ember months” refers to the final four months of the year (September, October, November, and December).
During this period, there is traditionally a significant increase in travel as people move for holidays, celebrations, and year-end activities, which places heightened pressure on the road network.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Imo, Mr Udensi Oji, disclosed this on Friday during the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Public Sensitisation and Campaign in Owerri.
Oji said, “Among the deployed personnel are 350 officers and men of the command, as well as over 300 Special Marshals. The theme for the 2025 campaign is: Take Responsibility for Your Safety, Stop Distracted Driving.”
He explained that the campaign was intended to raise awareness about the economic, health, mental, and emotional costs of road traffic crashes.
He added, “The campaign will educate the public on the legal and ethical implications of violating traffic rules and regulations, and encourage responsible loading practices and compliance with weight limits.
“The campaign will also promote the importance of road safety and the prevention of crashes occasioned by speeding, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and sensitise commuters on the use of the FRSC mobile app to monitor the conduct of drivers.”
According to him, the campaign targets commuters, livestock and roadside traders, motorcyclists, tricyclists and their pillion passengers, local communities and leaders, as well as drivers and transport operators.
He said, “The command has mapped out an action plan for the free flow of traffic from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026, which will be rolled out in due course.
“To stay safe as a driver, you must maintain absolute concentration and avoid any form of distraction such as the use of mobile phones, prolonged discussions with passengers, and other in-car behaviour that could divert your attention from the road.”
He noted that Imo is a gateway to several neighbouring states, including Abia, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, and Cross River, making Owerri a major traffic hub.
He explained that vehicular movement usually increases significantly during the Christmas and New Year periods, creating major traffic management challenges.
He urged Imo residents to make use of the command’s toll-free emergency line, adding that ambulance services and tow trucks would be available throughout the period.
