The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has issued a stern warning to motorists across Nigeria, highlighting that digital distractions, particularly from social media, alongside emotional distress and physical fatigue, pose severe threats to road safety.
Speaking at a public advocacy event on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the FRSC National Headquarters in Abuja, the Corps Marshal urged the public to recognize the critical link between mental well-being, responsible technology use, and safe driving habits.
The FRSC boss expressed concern over the rising incidence of road crashes tied to psychological and digital distractions, noting that drivers who multitask behind the wheel significantly endanger themselves and other road users.
”A driver who is mentally distracted by a social media notification, an online argument, or emotional distress may become a danger not only to himself or herself, but also to other road users,” Mohammed stated. “Our message is simple: A healthy mind contributes to a safer road. A distracted mind can contribute to a road crash.”
While acknowledging that social media and digital platforms have provided young Nigerians with access to education, peer support, and career opportunities, the FRSC Chief warned that unchecked screen habits carry significant psychological costs.
He highlighted that excessive screen time, cyberbullying, social comparison, and the pressure to maintain idealised online personas are leading contributors to stress, anxiety, and impaired concentration factors that directly spill over into driving performance.
The warning follows a series of public health and safety engagements held in Abuja during the week, including a free health outreach organised in partnership with BATMedics. The initiative offered vision screenings, preventive healthcare, and fatigue management consultations for motorists ahead of the high-density “ember months” travel season.
In an additional statement released through the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC reiterated its commitment to expanding public safety campaigns focused on emotional self-regulation, distraction prevention, and fatigue management.
The Corps Marshal called on transport unions, corporate organisations, civil society groups, and families to prioritise mental health awareness and encourage responsible phone use while driving. Motorists were advised to pull over safely to a designated parking area whenever they need to attend to urgent phone notifications or manage personal distress.
As part of its broader strategy to curb highway fatalities, the FRSC plans to step up enforcement against mobile phone usage while driving and expand routine health checks across major transport hubs nationwide.
