By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
As dust haze tightens its grip across major parts of the country, Nigeria’s road safety authorities you have issued a fresh warning to motorists, cautioning that poor visibility on highways could trigger a surge in avoidable road crashes if drivers fail to adjust their behaviour.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday said the prevailing hazy weather conditions largely driven by seasonal atmospheric changes have significantly reduced visibility on several highways, heightening risks for motorists and other road users.
In a nationwide advisory, the Corps warned that impaired vision and delayed reaction time under dusty and hazy conditions create a dangerous mix, particularly for speeding drivers and those who ignore basic traffic rules.
Speed meets haze, danger multiplies
Reacting to the development, the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, mni, stressed that hazy weather transforms routine driving into a high-risk activity when motorists fail to slow down.
“Dust haze significantly reduces visibility and reaction time for drivers,” Mohammed said. “At such times, speeding becomes even more dangerous.”
He appealed to motorists to deliberately reduce speed, obey prescribed limits and adopt defensive driving habits, warning that most crashes recorded under poor visibility conditions are preventable.
Clear rules for unclear roads
With visibility compromised on many highways, the FRSC urged motorists to strictly comply with traffic regulations and adjust driving habits to the realities of the weather.
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Drivers were specifically advised to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances and ensure all vehicle lights—headlights, tail lights and brake lights—are fully functional and used appropriately, even during daytime where visibility is impaired.
The Corps also cautioned against risky behaviours such as wrongful overtaking, over-speeding and distracted driving, noting that pl
Ll actions are far more deadly when visibility is poor.
Motorists were further advised to keep windscreens clean and ensure wipers are in good working condition to enhance clarity while driving through dusty conditions.
Commercial drivers under scrutiny
The FRSC placed special responsibility on commercial vehicle operators, urging them to prioritise passenger safety by avoiding unnecessary speed and complying fully with road safety regulations.
According to the Corps, commercial drivers often face pressure to meet travel timelines, but hazy weather demands restraint, patience and a safety-first mindset.
Reaffirming its mandate to safeguard lives on Nigerian roads, the FRSC said its patrol teams have been placed on heightened alert to monitor traffic flow, enforce compliance and respond swiftly to emergencies.
The Corps urged motorists to cooperate with its operatives nationwide and promptly report road emergencies through its toll-free number, 122.
As dust clouds continue to blur sightlines across highways, road safety officials warn that caution—not haste will determine who arrives safely and who becomes another statistic.
