The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cautioned motorists against the dangerous practice of conveying passengers alongside heavy goods, describing it as a major cause of road crashes and fatalities in the country. The Corps issued the warning in a statement accompanied by images of its officials questioning a driver caught transporting humans and goods in the same vehicle.
According to the statement, carrying human beings in unsafe positions—such as on top of vehicles or clinging to sides along with heavy loads—places them at extreme risk. The Corps explained that such practices destabilize vehicles, make control difficult for drivers, and often result in tragic consequences during sudden braking, swerving, or collisions. “Lives can be lost instantly because passengers in unsafe positions are completely unprotected,” the FRSC stressed.
The Corps also highlighted the mechanical risks associated with overloading, noting that it not only threatens lives but also damages vehicles. Exceeding manufacturer-specified capacity accelerates wear and tear, increases the chances of tire bursts, and reduces braking efficiency, all of which heighten the likelihood of accidents. “Vehicles are designed with specific capacities, and exceeding those limits places everyone on the road in danger,” the statement added.
The FRSC lamented that many lives have already been lost due to reckless acts of overloading, urging Nigerians to abandon the practice and prioritize safety at all times. It stressed that journeys should never be made at the expense of human lives and called on drivers, passengers, and transport operators to embrace safer practices on the nation’s highways.
“Let us always remember: no journey is worth a life lost. Choose safety first, avoid overloading, separate goods from passengers, and ensure every occupant sits securely inside the vehicle,” the Corps concluded.
