The Nigerian Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has clarified its former statement that bans the use of Google maps in transit. Earlier in the week, the corps through its commander Mr. Ayuba Gora labeled the use of Google map while driving as a serious traffic offense. He made the statement at the 2019 Ember Months Campaign in Abuja.
This caused an uproar from Nigerians online, as they took to their twitter handles to show their discontent. These reactions caused the FRSC through its Public Education Officer Bisi Kazeem to clarify the previous information.
This is a country that is about to launch 5G network and claims to be the first to do so in Africa. The statement by the FRSC official shows how backward Nigerians think. It's so sad that we still think the use of tech to aid driving is an offence. Are we ready for the new age?
— Ojooluwa Ibiloye (@OjooluwaIbiloye) November 27, 2019
This headline is really embarrassing and shameful… You see why some westerners still think we swing around through trees? Headlines like this have far reaching implications
— novo abere (@novorious) November 27, 2019
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Bisi Kazeem noted that Mr. Ayuba was misquoted and misinterpreted as they do not stand against the use of the app whilst in transit. She clarified that they are a technology-driven organization and doing such paints them in another light.
Bisi stated that motorists could be distracted if they juggle between driving and navigating on their phones. As such distractions can cause accidents on the road.
In her words; “We, therefore, call on all motorists who intend to deploy the use of google maps on their phones, especially during the festive season when traffic density is high, to activate such before setting the vehicle in motion. This is to ensure 100 percent concentration on the wheels.”
This debunks the early misinterpretation that the FRSC is banning the use of Google maps whilst in transit. The clarification however, specifies that motorists should set the map before driving.
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