By Olokor Michael
Public Affairs Commentator and Development Advocate
08134815496
As Christians across Delta State and Nigeria celebrate the Easter season, a period that symbolizes sacrifice, love, hope and the triumph of life over death, the Chairman of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), Chief Sir Peter Idion, has extended warm Easter greetings to all Christians while also calling for caution and responsibility on the roads during the festive period.
Chief Sir Peter Idion noted that Easter is a season that reminds humanity of the importance of sacrifice, patience, love for one another and respect for life. He emphasized that as people travel to celebrate with their families and loved ones, they should remember that life is precious and must be protected at all times, especially on the roads.
He warned vehicle drivers, motorcycle riders and tricycle operators against careless driving, over-speeding, dangerous overtaking, drunk driving and violation of traffic rules, stressing that most road accidents recorded during festive periods are caused by human error and negligence rather than mechanical failure. According to him, no celebration is worth the loss of human life, and it is better to arrive late than not to arrive at all.
The DESTMA Chairman further assured the public that traffic officers would be deployed across major roads and junctions to ensure free flow of traffic and safety of road users throughout the Easter period. He advised motorists to cooperate with traffic officers and see them as partners working for public safety rather than as enemies.
Chief Sir Peter Idion also used the opportunity to call on parents and guardians to caution their children, especially young motorcycle riders, to avoid reckless riding during the festive period, noting that many young lives have been lost in avoidable road accidents.
Furthermore, he emphasized that road safety is a collective responsibility that involves not only traffic officials but also drivers, passengers and pedestrians. He advised passengers to always speak up when a driver is over-speeding or driving recklessly, noting that many accidents could be prevented if passengers take responsibility for their own safety. He also encouraged pedestrians to use designated crossing points and avoid sudden crossing of highways without checking for oncoming vehicles.
He also called on commercial transport unions, motorcycle associations and tricycle operators to educate their members on safe driving practices and the importance of obeying traffic regulations. According to him, discipline on the road reflects discipline in society, and a responsible driving culture will help reduce accidents, save lives and contribute to the development of Delta State.
Chief Sir Peter Idion also reminded motorists that the festive season usually comes with heavy traffic, increased movement and late-night travels, which often lead to fatigue and loss of concentration while driving. He advised drivers to always rest well before embarking on long journeys and to avoid night driving where visibility is poor. He stressed that many accidents happen not because drivers do not know how to drive, but because they ignore basic safety rules.
He further appealed to road users to always ensure their vehicles are in good condition before traveling, including checking their brakes, tyres, lights and engine condition. Motorcycle riders were particularly warned to always wear helmets and avoid carrying more than one passenger, as overloading is one of the major causes of motorcycle accidents across the state.
He concluded by wishing all Christians a peaceful and joyful Easter celebration and prayed that the spirit of Easter would bring peace, love, unity and progress to Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. He reiterated that the greatest gift anyone can give their family this Easter is to stay alive and drive safely.
Indeed, Easter is not just a celebration but a reminder of sacrifice, discipline, love and responsibility. As we celebrate, visit loved ones and travel across cities and villages, we must also remember to protect lives by being responsible on our roads. Safety on the road is everyone’s responsibility, and together we can make our roads safer for all.
