FRSC raises alarm over reckless driving by social media influencers

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has warned actors, content creators, and social media influencers to stop using Nigerian roads in unsafe ways just to gain online attention.

The warning followed a viral video showing popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, also known as Peller, live-streaming while driving. The act later led to an accident. The FRSC described his action as illegal and very dangerous.

In a statement signed by FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Muhammed, said that live streaming, recording videos, or any activity that distracts a driver while driving breaks traffic laws. He explained that such behaviour puts the driver and other road users at serious risk.

The FRSC noted that these actions work against national efforts to reduce road accidents and deaths.

As a result, the Corps Marshal has ordered the Lagos State Sector Commander to prosecute Peller for reckless driving, using a mobile phone while driving, and distracted driving, in line with traffic laws.

The FRSC also called on actors’ guilds, entertainment groups, influencer networks, and content creator communities to educate their members and promote responsible behaviour on the roads. According to the Corps Marshal, celebrities should be examples of safety, not bad behaviour.

He warned that the FRSC would take legal action against anyone, whether a celebrity or not, who is caught driving recklessly or while distracted.

“No social media content or online fame is worth a human life,” he said.

The Corps Marshal stressed that public roads are not places for filming or streaming. He encouraged Nigerians to report dangerous driving and support efforts to make the roads safer for everyone.