The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has warned motorists against distractions linked to social media, emotional distress and fatigue, saying they can compromise concentration and endanger lives on Nigerian roads.

Mohammed gave the warning on Friday, October 9, at the fourth Vanguard Mental Health Summit in Lagos, where he served as chairman. The event focused on youth mental health and the effects of social media, digital technology and online behaviour on wellbeing.

According to the FRSC chief, safe driving requires concentration, sound judgment, emotional stability and responsible decision-making. He cautioned that stress, anger and tiredness could affect a driver’s ability to respond appropriately to road conditions and make safe decisions.

Mohammed said motorists who become distracted by social media notifications, online arguments or emotional pressures may put themselves, passengers and other road users at risk. He stressed that road safety campaigns should pay greater attention to the connection between mental wellbeing and responsible behaviour behind the wheel.

He acknowledged that social media and digital technology offer benefits, including access to educational resources, mental health information, peer support and professional networks. However, he warned that excessive screen time, cyberbullying, online harassment, misinformation and pressure to maintain an idealised online image could negatively affect emotional wellbeing.

The Corps Marshal called for more affordable, confidential and youth-friendly mental health services, including counselling and psychosocial support. He also urged government agencies, schools, parents, the media, religious organisations and civil society groups to work together to reduce stigma and improve public understanding of mental health challenges.

Mohammed further called on parents to listen to young people, schools to strengthen psychosocial support and technology platforms to take stronger action against online abuse and harmful content. He said the FRSC would continue public education on responsible road use, distraction prevention, emotional self-regulation and fatigue management.