30/03/2026
Solebo Raises Alarm Over Dangerous Use of Phones While Driving, Warns Motorists to Prioritise Safety
Abeokuta, Ogun State | Sunday
The National President of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), Dr. Sotayo Olusola Rasak, popularly known as Solebo, has issued a strong warning to motorists across Nigeria over the growing and dangerous habit of using mobile phones while driving, describing the act as a major threat to road safety and human lives.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday, Dr. Solebo expressed deep concern over what he described as the increasing disregard for traffic regulations and safety protocols among many motorists, both private and commercial, who continue to use their mobile phones while operating vehicles on public roads.
According to the MOUN National President, the reckless act of receiving calls, making calls, texting, browsing, or engaging in any phone-related activity while driving has become a disturbing trend that is contributing significantly to the rising number of road crashes across the country.
He noted that many road accidents recorded in recent times could be traced to driver distraction, especially from mobile phone usage, adding that countless innocent lives have been cut short due to avoidable negligence.
“It is painful and unacceptable that many of our people are still losing their lives because some motorists refuse to obey simple traffic and safety regulations. The use of phones while driving is one of the dangerous habits that must stop immediately,” Dr. Solebo stated.
He further lamented that beyond the loss of drivers themselves, several passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and other innocent road users have become victims of accidents caused by divided attention on the road.
Dr. Solebo stressed that driving is a serious responsibility that requires maximum concentration, discipline, and alertness, warning that even a few seconds of distraction can lead to irreversible tragedy.
He said:
“When a driver takes attention away from the road to answer a phone call, reply to a message, or check notifications, that short moment can become the difference between life and death. No call, no message, and no online activity is worth the life of any Nigerian.”
The union leader therefore called on all motorists, including commercial drivers, private car owners, transport operators, and riders, to adopt a more responsible attitude on the road by avoiding all forms of distractions while driving.
He also urged motorists to always pull over in a safe location whenever it becomes absolutely necessary to answer urgent calls, rather than endangering themselves and others through careless conduct.
In addition, Dr. Solebo appealed to relevant traffic management and road safety agencies, including law enforcement authorities, to intensify public enlightenment campaigns and strengthen enforcement mechanisms aimed at discouraging dangerous driving habits.
According to him, the fight against road crashes must not be left to government agencies alone, but should also involve transport unions, civil society groups, and the general public through sustained advocacy and compliance with road safety standards.
“Road safety is a collective responsibility. Every driver has a duty not only to protect his own life but also to protect passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and every other road user. We must all rise against carelessness on our roads,” he added.
Dr. Solebo reaffirmed the commitment of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) to promoting discipline, professionalism, and safety consciousness among transport operators nationwide, noting that the union will continue to support every initiative that protects lives and promotes orderliness on Nigerian roads.
He concluded by urging all Nigerians to treat road safety with the seriousness it deserves and to remember at all times that responsible driving saves lives, while distraction destroys families and futures.
