The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed on Monday expressed deep concern over the growing trend of reckless road use by some celebrities, content creators and social media influencers who, in the quest for online attention, deliberately flout traffic regulations and endanger lives.
To this end, he called on Actor Guilds, Content Creators and Entertainment Association to educate their members on dangers of reckless driving on the highway.
The Corps Marshal’s reaction followed a widely circulated video involving a popular TikTok streamer, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, who was seen engaging in a live video stream while driving, an unlawful and highly dangerous act that culminated in a road traffic crash.
This incident, which could have resulted in loss of lives, served as a grim reminder that fame does not confer immunity from the law, nor does it excuse dangerous behaviour on public roads.
Mohammed, in a statement issued in Abuja by Assistant Corps Marshal, Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, categorically stated that live streaming, content creation, recording or engaging in any activity that distracts a driver.
He explained that it is also a direct violation of established road traffic regulations and poses grave danger not only to the driver but to other innocent road users.
Mohammed noted: “Such actions undermine ongoing national efforts to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities.
“In line with this position, the Corps Marshal has directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to immediately activate all necessary processes for the prosecution of the individual involved for reckless driving, use of phone while driving and distracted driving, in accordance with extant traffic laws.
“Expectedly, the Corps Marshal therefore calls on Actors Guilds, entertainment associations, influencer networks and content creator communities to urgently rein in their members and promote responsible conduct, particularly on Nigerian roads.
“Celebrities and influencers wield enormous influence, especially among young Nigerians, and must be seen as ambassadors of safety, not symbols of recklessness.”
Mohammed warned that the FRSC will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any individual, celebrity or otherwise, found engaging in distracted or reckless driving.
He said no social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life.