To prevent accidents on the roads, the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) is urging drivers to refrain from making or receiving calls while driving.
The FRSC emphasizes that driving demands complete concentration, and road users should not jeopardize their safety.
According to the FRSC, using any ear gadget to make or answer calls while driving could lead to a five-year jail term.
The FRSC explicitly states that it is unlawful to engage in phone calls while driving, irrespective of the wireless gadget employed for communication.
Further highlighting the risks involved, the FRSC underscores that drivers using AirPods, EarPods, wired or wireless earphones, and hands-free mode risk a six-month jail term for making or receiving calls while behind the wheel.
Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, emphasized in an interview that driving requires absolute concentration, and road users should avoid any actions that pose a risk to their lives.
He reiterated the illegality of making or receiving calls while driving, referencing the National Road Traffic Regulations of 2012.
Kazeem stated, “It is illegal. Driving entails 100 percent concentration, so you cannot be distracted. It is there in the regulation.
“It is clear from the provisions of Reg 166 (1) that it is illegal to make phone calls using EarPods earphones or whatever means.
“It is also clear that a phone call is not restricted to a telephone conversation between two or more people.
“Anything that will distract you while driving must be avoided. When we do public enlightenment, we even discourage drivers from talking to passengers, which could cause distraction.
“The law may not make it an offense, but at the same time, it can distract you; even changing your cassette (while driving) can distract you and result in an accident,” he cautioned.
