The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cautioned motorists, transport operators, and passengers nationwide against the dangers of overloading and transporting goods alongside passengers.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, the corps highlighted the grave risks associated with such practices, warning that they endanger both lives and property.
FRSC explained that carrying human beings alongside heavy loads not only places them at extreme risk but also compromises the stability of vehicles, thereby increasing the chances of accidents.
“Carrying human beings alongside heavy loads not only exposes them to extreme risk but also destabilizes the vehicle, making it difficult for the driver to maintain proper control.
In the event of sudden braking, swerving, or a crash, lives can be lost instantly because passengers seated on top of the vehicle or clinging to unsafe positions are completely unprotected,” the statement read.
The corps noted that many lives have already been lost due to reckless acts of overloading, stressing the urgent need for all road users to abandon the practice.
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The statement further highlighted the mechanical dangers of exceeding vehicle capacity, explaining that it not only endangers passengers but also damages vehicles over time.
“Vehicles are designed with specific capacities, and exceeding those limits places everyone on the road in danger.
“Overloading accelerates wear and tear on the vehicle, increases the risk of tire bursts, and reduces braking efficiency,” the statement noted.
The corps therefore urged all road users to adopt a safety-first approach to travel, reminding them that journeys should never be made at the expense of human lives.
“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,” FRSC concluded.