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Rest Every Four Hours, FRSC Issues Safety Guide for Fasting Motorists

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on February 20th, 2026.

Rest Every Four Hours, FRSC Issues Safety Guide for Fasting Motorists

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists observing religious fasts to take compulsory rest breaks at least every four hours to reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes on Nigerian roads.

In a safety advisory released to the public, the Corps emphasized that fasting, while spiritually rewarding, can have physical effects that may impair concentration, slow reaction time, and increase drowsiness—especially during long-distance travel or under harsh weather conditions.

According to the FRSC, drivers who abstain from food and water for extended hours may experience dehydration, low blood sugar, headaches, and general weakness. These conditions, officials warned, can compromise alertness behind the wheel and heighten the likelihood of avoidable accidents.

Key Safety Recommendations

The Corps outlined several precautionary measures for motorists who are fasting:

Take a break every four hours: Drivers are encouraged to stop at safe locations to stretch, relax, and refresh before continuing their journey.

Avoid over-speeding: Reduced physical strength and alertness can make it harder to respond swiftly to sudden road hazards.

Plan trips wisely: Where possible, long journeys should be scheduled during cooler hours of the day when fatigue is less intense.

Stay hydrated before and after fasting hours: Proper hydration during non-fasting periods helps maintain stamina throughout the day.

Do not drive when feeling weak or dizzy: Motorists are urged to postpone trips if they feel unwell or excessively tired.

Increased Patrol and Monitoring

The FRSC noted that its personnel across various commands have been directed to intensify patrols and provide assistance to distressed motorists. The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safer highways, particularly during peak religious seasons when travel volume often rises.

Road safety experts have long identified fatigue as a silent but deadly factor in traffic crashes. By encouraging periodic rest stops, the FRSC aims to curb incidents linked to exhaustion and poor judgment.

Shared Responsibility

The agency also called on commercial transport operators to prioritize passenger safety by allowing relief drivers on long routes and avoiding tight travel schedules that pressure drivers into skipping rest.

As millions of Nigerians observe fasting periods, the FRSC reiterated that spiritual devotion should not come at the expense of road safety. The message is clear: staying alive and protecting other road users is a collective responsibility.

With highways often bustling during festive and religious seasons, the Corps’ reminder serves as both a caution and a call to action—pause, rest, and drive safely.